§ Mr. Parkinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the provisions of the Adoption Act 1968 relating to the recognition of overseas adoptions are to be brought into force.
§ Mr. CarlisleMy right hon. Friend intends shortly to make an order bringing in force that part of the Act which relates to the recognition of overseas adoption orders, together with a further order specifying some 50 countries whose adoption orders will be recognised under the Act. Examination of the adoption laws of other countries, with a view to their specification in later orders, is in progress. The provision in Section 4 of the Act which applies Section 19(1) of the Adoption Act 1958 to overseas adoptions will not, however, be brought into force. The effect will be that, where a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies adopts a child overseas in a specified country, the adoption will not confer citizenship of the United Kingdom and Colonies on the child. My right hon. Friend has arranged that, where the adopters and the child become resident in this country, no fee will be payable for the registration of the child as a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies.