§ Mr. Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether any local authorities have received extra funding to appoint guardians ad litem; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Newton[pursuant to his reply, 12 January 1987]: Provision was made in the rate support grant settlement for 1984–85 based on expected costs discussed with representatives of the local authorities.
§ Mr. Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, what information he has as to how long it takes guardians ad litem to be appointed after child care proceedings have been initiated; and how long it takes their reports to be provided to the courts.
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§ Mr. Newton[pursuant to his reply, 12 January 1987]: Comprehensive information is not held centrally. However, a recent informal exercise conducted by the Department suggests that in more than half the areas the time taken to appoint guardians ad litem is up to one week. In a few cases a period of more than eight weeks elapses. Guardians are usually expected to present their reports to the court within six to eight weeks.