§ Mr. CartwrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what part his Department played in the recent investigation into the running of a London borough of Greenwich children's home at Green lane, SE9; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieResponsibility for investigating allegations of malpractice at Green lane Community Home lies with the London borough of Greenwich. The Department's social services inspectorate has, however, been kept informed of progress and developments in the inquiry undertaken by the borough and has been able to offer professional advice and support. A thorough management investigation by senior council officers is considered an appropriate way of dealing with allegations of the kind that have been made.
The council has asked the social services inspectorate to scrutinise the investigation and the findings recorded in the report of its social services committee working party in relation to the allegations. The inspectorate has undertaken to offer comment on any pertinent professional and service issues and this will be done as soon as possible.