§ Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will set up an inquiry into the practice by local authorities of placing children in their care with foster parents; whether he will ensure that this inquiry gives special consideration to the problem of parents reclaiming children Placed with foster parents; and whether he will postpone any decisions concerning the future legal position of children placed in local authority approved foster homes until the results of this inquiry are known.
§ Sir K. JosephThe law relating to foster children was reviewed in connection with the Children and Young Persons Act, 1969, which made certain amendments. I am not aware of any need for a further general review at present. As regards the problem of parents reclaiming children placed with foster parents, the Departmental Committee on the Adoption of Children, appointed by my right hon. Friends the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Scotland, is already reviewing this matter and has published provisional proposals for comment.