§ Mrs. Maureen HicksTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Nurseries and Childminders Act 1948 for all child minders to be officially registered.
§ Mr. Mellor[holding answer 12 May 1989]: Local authority social services departments are responsible for enforcing the registration requirements in the Nurseries and Childminders Regulation Act 1948 (as amended) and they have power to prosecute offenders.
The Government have undertaken to update the 1948 Act by introducing amendments to the Children Bill at present being considered by a Standing Committee of the House.