§ Mr. Gowasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many minors known to his Department, being wards of the English High Court, left the jurisdiction of the court without its leave during the year ended 31st December 1973 and during the six months ended 30th June 1974; and if he will specify the measures at present in force to prevent wards of court leaving the jurisdiction without the consent of the court.
§ Mr. Alexander W. LyonComprehensive information about such cases is not available. I have, however, been informed of six instances in 1973 and one in the first half of 1974 in which a child who was a ward of court or subject of a High Court or county court order restricting his removal was taken out of the jurisdiction without the consent of the court.
If the Home Office is requested, usually by a solicitor, to prevent the removal of a ward, particulars of the case are circulated to immigration officers at the ports. If an immigration officer identifies such a child he draws the attention of the person attempting the removal to the court order and, if that person persists in the attempt, tells the police, who prevent the removal of the child.