§ Mr. Jesselasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of children adopted last year; and if he will give corresponding figures for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years ago.
§ Mr. CarlisleThe number of adoption orders made in England and Wales in 1972 was 21,599. The figures for earlier years are:
1967 … … … … 22,802 1962 … … … … 16,894 1957 … … … … 13,401 1952 … … … … 13,894