§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has studied the comment of Lord Justice Ormrod in the Family Division on the need to implement the adoption provisions of the Children Act; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungI have seen reports of the comment, from which it seems that Lord Justice Ormrod is particularly concerned that section 14 of the Children Act 1975—freeing for adoption—should be implemented. We share his concern and my right hon. Friend is considering whether this and other sections of the Act which would cost little or nothing to implement can be brought into force in the not-too-distant future within current plans for public expenditure.