§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will seek to legislate to provide that he should have the power to veto the appointment by local authorities of individuals who have been patients in special hospitals to jobs which involve direct contact with children.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergEmploying authorities are responsible for ensuring that children are not put at risk by the staff engaged to work with them, and are expected to make the fullest inquiries into the background and suitability of candidates for such posts. Previous admission to a special hospital would be one of a number of possible indicators for caution. There are no plans to introduce legislation to change the present situation.