§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek powers to enable him to provide additional funds to local government ombudsmen to enable them to take the necessary legal action to require local authorities to provide information in cases where this is refused.
§ Mr. KingI have no plans to seek such powers. My hon. Friend's question arises from a difference of interpretation
659Wof the impact of the Adoption Agencies Regulations 1976 on the local commissioners' powers under the Local Government Act 1974. I am aware that he is in correspondence with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services, who is responsible for the regulations in question, and I have asked to be kept in touch with developments.