§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that the present law is adequate for the purpose of bringing care proceedings in cases of chronic solvent abuse; and if he has considered taking new powers to protect children found to be under the influence of solvents.
§ Mr. John PattenCases of persistent solvent misuse can be drawn to the attention of Social Services Departments as an indication of the need for care proceedings under the Children and Young Persons Act. This would be appropriate if the young person's proper development was being avoidably prevented or neglected, or his health was being avoidably impaired or neglected.
We are satisfied therefore that sufficient grounds already exist to enable care proceedings to be brought in cases of chronic solvent misuse, and we do not contemplate taking new powers.