92. Mr. Wilson Harrisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent difficulties regarding accommodation and staff for children in need of care and protection still continue; and whether he will urge local authorities to acquire and equip suitable premises for this purpose where necessary.
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§ Mr. EdeThe provision of accommodation for children in care under the Children Act is hampered by the general shortage of building resources and the difficulty of finding houses suitable for adaptation as children's homes. The supply of trained staff is still inadequate, but the training courses for housemothers and fathers arranged by the Central Training Council will result in a steady improvement. I am in constant touch with local authorities about the acquisition and equipment of suitable accommodation, and I am satisfied that they fully appreciate the urgency and importance of this matter.