§ Mr. Harveyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the Western National Adoption Society, 8, Queen's Parade, Bath, has decided by a small majority not to place babies with conscientious objectors; and whether he will make regulations that in the conduct of negotiations between adoption societies and persons desirous of causing children to be adopted, societies shall disclose any such discrimination made according to the religious convictions of applicants.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe hon. Member has sent me a letter showing that the Society referred to has declined an application on the grounds stated. My authority to 1307W make regulations governing the procedure of Adoption Societies is limited to the objects specified in Section 4 of the Adoption of Children (Regulations) Act, 1839, and I am advised that it would not be within these objects to give effect to the suggestion made by the hon. Member. It is, of course, always open to an applicant to apply to another Society.