§ Sir C. Osborneasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many children of immigrants are in foster parents' homes; what proportion of these homes is registered; how often they are inspected; if he is satisfied they are working properly; and if he will make a statement;
(2) to what extent, in view of his undertaking on 4th June, 1964, that his inspectors would keep in very close touch with the local authorities and their children's officers about the full and effective exercise of the statutory powers available to them under the Children Act 1958, he is now satisfied that the powers are adequate; and what action he will take;
(3) what reply he has sent to the county councils associations and the treasurers of municipal corporations to their request to improve the child protection legislation, and to prevent abuse under baby-farming, especially as applied to coloured students' children; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss BaconThe Children Act 1958 strengthened the power of local authorities to ensure the wellbeing of children of school age who are being looked after for reward for more than one month by persons other than parents or relatives. These powers include visiting the children, inspecting premises, giving advice, prohibiting unsatisfactory placings and imposing conditions. Statistical information as to the action taken by local authorities is not available centrally, nor do the statistics kept centrally distinguish the children of immigrants. My right hon. Friend is anxious that these con-308W siderable powers should be exercised fully, and suggestions for possible changes in the law which the County Councils Association have under consideration, and difficulties which some authorities are having in enforcing the Act, are to be discussed soon with the Local Authority Associations.