HC Deb 01 March 1990 vol 168 cc301-2W
Mr. Strang

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the Government's policy concerning the fostering or adoption of children by individual unmarried lesbian or gay persons who fulfil all the requirements of suitability and fitness to adopt or foster.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

In reaching a decision relating to the fostering or adoption of a child by any person, courts and child care and adoption agencies are required to give first consideration to the need to safeguard and promote the child's welfare. There is no prohibition on fostering or adoption by single people, who are equally subject to the statutory requirements for thorough investigation and assessment as prospective foster parents and adopters.

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