§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the numbers of children who were adopted in the latest convenient years; and what is his estimate as to the balance between the number of prospective adopting parents and of children in need of adoption.
§ Mr. Elystan Morgan22,802 in England and Wales in 1967 and 24,858 in 1968, compared with 13,304 in 1958. The responsibility for arranging adopttions rests with the adoption agencies, but I understand that in spite of the steady increase in the number of adoptions there is still no general shortage of suitable adopters.
§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what study he has made of the extent to which limitations regarding religion prevent children from being adopted who would otherwise be so.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganMy right hon. Friend has received certain representations about the right of the natural parent to specify the religion in which the child is to be brought up. This is one of the matters to be considered in the review of adoption law which he has in mind.
§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the children least likely to be adopted; and whether 305W he will take steps to encourage and assist people to adopt handicapped children.
§ Mr. Elystan MorganMy right hon. Friend has no direct responsibility for the placement of children for adoption, but the Advisory Councils on Child Care for England and Wales and for Scotland are preparing a handbook on adoption practice for the guidance of adoption agencies, and this is likely to include advice on the placement of handicapped children.