§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any proposals to integrate the work of the Scottish Child Care Law Review Group with the work of law reform of the Adoption Law Review and the Scottish Law Commission; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe report of the Scottish child care law review recognised the interaction between child care and adoption law. The observations made in that report about adoption have been conveyed to the interdepartmental group which is currently reviewing adoption law in the United Kingdom. The Scottish Law Commission subsequently published its discussion paper, "Parental responsibilities and Rights, Guardianship and the Administration of Children's Property". In considering the commission's final recommendations the Secretary of State will take into account the outcome of the two reviews.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to take forward the work of the Scottish Child Care Law Review Group; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythWhen the report of the Scottish child care law review was published on 19 October a wide range of organisations was invited to submit their comments on the recommendations by 14 December. A total of 79 responses have been received and are now being assessed. We shall carefully consider that assessment before deciding whether to accept the various recommendations and whether to promote legislation.