HC Deb 31 July 1958 vol 592 cc179-80W
99 and 100. Mr. J. E. B. Hill

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what bodies, other than local authorities, he has consulted and from what bodies he has received representations as to the need for adequate safeguards before foreign nations not domiciled in Great Britain adopt British children;

(2) what is the administrative procedure through which local authorities are consulted or may make representations to his Department with regard to matters of child welfare; and what consultations took place or representations were made as to the need for adequate safeguards before foreign nationals not domiciled in Great Britain adopt British children.

Mr. R. A. Butler

As is usual in matters of this kind, I have consulted the County Councils Association, the Association of Municipal Corporations and the London County Council about my proposals for changes in the law on adoption, including those that now appear in the Children Bill for enabling persons not domiciled in Great Britain to adopt British children. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT lists of other bodies which I have con- sulted or from which I have had representations on that subject. The general view was in favour of the new provisions, which are based on a recommendation by the Hurst Committee and which will, together with the supporting rules of court, introduce stringent safeguards for the welfare of the child.

Following is a list of bodies consulted:

  • The Standing Conference of Societies Registered for Adoption.
  • The Justices' Clerks' Society.
  • The Association of County Court Registrars.
  • The Magistrates' Association.
  • The British Medical Association.

Following is a list of bodies, other than individual local authorities, from whom representations have been received:

  • The Church of England Children's Society.
  • The National Children Adoption Association.
  • The International Social Service of Great Britain.