§ 42. Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent representations he has received seeking amendment of the law concerning child care.
§ Mr. NewtonWe have received representations about the need for a review of child care legislation as a whole and about a number of specific aspects of the legislation. These have included access to children in care; resolutions under section 3 at the Child Care Act 1980; safeguards for children in care proceedings; the appointment of independent visitors to children in care; the use of secure accommodation; the powers of local authorities to require contributions towards the maintenance of children in care; and the statutory framework within which care is provided for handicapped children.
As the hon. Member will be aware, I announced a number of new proposals in the field of child care in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Brighton, Kempton (Mr. Bowden) on Monday 7 March 1983. — [Vol. 38, c. 329–30.]