HC Deb 07 February 1984 vol 53 c578W
Mr. Hayes

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many juveniles and children were adopted against the wishes of their natural parents in 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983.

Mr. John Patten

The majority of adoption orders are made with the agreement of the natural parents. The information requested is as follows (England and Wales):

Number of adoption orders registered Number of orders where parental agreement dispensed with
1979 10,870 673
1980 10,609 763
1981 9,284 731
1982 10,240 898
1983 *9,000 *950
* Estimated.