§ Mr. Newensasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has received any representations to implement those sections of the Children Act 1975 which will enable parents involved in care proceedings to apply for legal aid; and what response he has made.
§ Sir George YoungMy right hon. Friend has received representations about the implementation of the remainder of section 64 of the Children Act 1975, one effect of which would he to enable courts to grant parents legal aid in care proceedings. His response has been to point out that section 64 has significant resource implications for local authorities and the legal aid fund, and that implementation can only be considered when resources become available.