§ Q12. Mr. Chapmanasked the Prime Minister if she will institute an inquiry into the operation and effects of the laws and practices relating to adoption.
§ The Prime MinisterBetween 1969 and 1972 the Houghton Committee undertook a thorough consideration of the law, policy and procedure on the adoption of children in Great Britain. The committee's report (Cmnd. 5107) recommended a number of substantial changes in adoption law, and these were incorporated in the Children Act 1975. Unfortunately, resource constraints have meant that a number of important changes have not yet been brought into effect. It is much too soon to consider a further inquiry into adoption law and practice in Great Britain.
In Northern Ireland adoption legislation and procedure are currently under review and proposals for revising legislation will be submitted later this year.