§ Mr. Adam Butlerasked the Prime Minister whether the Government have completed their review of the allocation of ministerial and departmental responsibility for adoption in England and Wales, following the report of the Departmental Committee on Adoption.
§ The Prime MinisterYes. The Government have concluded that responsibility for adoption should be allocated to the Ministers responsible for child care in general. Accordingly, I have approved the transfer of responsibility for adoption in England from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services, and in Wales to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales. Both these transfers will take effect from 24th April 1973.