§ 69. Mr. George Craddockasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to cover all adopted children and so prevent the large number of private arrangements made annually without any regulations at all.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI understand that the hon. Member has in mind prospective adoptions arranged by private agents. The law puts a duty on such agents to notify the welfare authority seven days before possession is taken of the child and provides that the child should then be under the supervision of the authority. In addition, the court before making an adoption order has to satisfy itself by inquiry that the order will be for the welfare of the child.