HC Deb 01 May 1986 vol 96 cc470-1W
Mr. Phillip Oppenheim

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what responses he has received to recent consultative documents on child care and day care law; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Fowler

We received nearly 200 responses to the working party report on the review of child care law in England and Wales, published as a consultative document in October 1985. A large majority of the report's recommendations were widely supported.

We also received comments on a consultative document on day care law published at the same time as the review. These again have shown wide support for the proposals.

The Government will now draw up their proposals for child care law in England and Wales, and for day care, and publish these in the autumn as the basis for legislation which it will introduce as soon as parliamentary time can be found.

Many organisations commenting on the review of child care law have expressed their strong support for a family court which they believe would provide a more satisfactory forum for the operation of any new legislation than the present juvenile courts. My right hon. and noble Friend the Lord Chancellor will publish soon a consultative document on options for a family court. The Government hope this will help to promote consensus on the form such a court could take. But I cannot anticipate the outcome of the consultation or any Government decision on this matter.

Some of those commenting on the review of child care law have said that no changes to child care law should take place in advance of a family court. The Government do not accept this need be so and continue to see advantage in not delaying desirable improvements in child care law pending possible introduction of a family court.

I have also now received the agreed report of joint working party of Government and local authority association officers which has given an estimate of the costs of the child care law report's recommendations. Quantifiable costs would amount to £4¼ million per annum: just under £2 million falling directly on local authorities and the rest on the magistrates courts service, legal aid and High Court administration. Some other possible costs were identified but could not be quantified. Copies of the report have been placed in the Library.