HC Deb 29 January 1948 vol 446 cc182-3W
111. Mr. K. Lindsay

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why it was stated in the official announcement to the House on 24th March, 1947, that the existing special responsibilities of the Admiralty and the War Office for orphans of Service men are not to be transferred to the children's department of the Home Office, thus excluding these homeless children from the special safeguards afforded other children deprived of a normal home life.

Mr. Ede

All the homes in England and Wales in which the Admiralty and the War Office are interested except two are inspected by the Home Office as voluntary homes. The two exceptions (the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook, and the Duke of York's Military School, Dover), are boarding schools and are inspected by the Ministry of Education. The children in them are consequently afforded the same safeguards as children in other similar institutions.

Mr. K. Lindsay

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when it is proposed to announce the names of the Standing Advisory Committee, promised in the official statement of 24th March, 1947, to assist the Children's Department at the Home Office in its care of children deprived of a normal home life.

Mr. Ede

The Children Bill now before Parliament provides for the appointment of an Advisory Council on Child Care. I propose to appoint the Council as soon as the Bill passes into law.