§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for each of the last three years,(a) how many children have been brought into the United Kingdom for adoption through private or unauthorised channels, (b) out of that total how many of these adoptions were found to be unsuitable and (c) what was the average waiting time for adoption/immigration authorisation relating to children from (i) Romania, (ii) Brazil and (iii) Colombia.
§ Mr. Peter LloydOnly very limited information is available except in relation to Romanian children brought here during the last two years. In 1990, 83, and in 1991, 13 Romanian children were brought to the United Kingdom without entry clearance with a view to adoption. No Romanian children have been brought to the United Kingdom without entry clearance so far this year. The average waiting time for decisions on entry clearance applications made on behalf of Romanian children for the purpose of adoption was approximately six weeks in 1991. Information is not held centrally on the progress and outcome of subsequent adoption proceedings in the United Kingdom.