§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he is satisfied that an adequate adoption service has been maintained in the county of Northumberland for the past 18 weeks;
(2) which adoption societies are currently placing children for adoption in the county of Northumberland.
§ Mr. Moyle:I understand that the interim arrangements which I described in my reply to the hon. Member on 14th June 1978–[Vol. 951, c. 545]—have unfortunately been disturbed during the past 18 weeks as a result of the industrial dispute involving social workers in the 452W city of Newcastle upon Tyne. I understand, however, that adoption facilities continue to be available from two voluntary adoption societies: the Hexham and Newcastle Diocesan Rescue Society and the Church of England Children's Society. If the hon. Member has any particular problem in mind, perhaps he will write to me and I will see whether there is any way in which I can help.