§ 46. Mr. S. Marshallasked the Prime Minister, in view of the suggestions contained in the joint circular issued by the Secretary of State for the Home Department, the Minister of Health and the Minister of Education, what steps will be taken to ensure that appropriate administrative action will be taken by the authorities concerned, especially the more backward and unenlightened councils pending further legislation.
§ The Prime MinisterA great deal can be done in this matter by administrative action. Authorities have been asked to review their present arrangements in the light of the criticisms and recommendations made in the Report and to do all they can to ensure that the best possible measures are taken for promoting the child's welfare. As the circular pointed out, this implies meeting not only physical needs, but also other equally important requirements such as an atmosphere of security, personal interest, affection and treatment as an individual. The Central Inspection of the Ministry of Health and in the Home Office has been strengthened in the last few months. The Ministry of Health has established a chief welfare officer and eleven regional welfare officers who are additional to the Ministry's general inspectors and those supervising the Maternity and Child Welfare Services. The Home Office has increased the establishment of the Inspectorate, general and medical, in the Children's Branch by six men and five women and that of the Probation Inspectorate by four men and four women. All these are available to give advice and assistance, as stated in the circular, wherever required.