§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which elements of the White Paper, "Scotland's Children" he intends to bring forward into legislation.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 23 November 1993]: The care of children calls for a clear and coherent legislative framework and a Bill which takes forward the proposals in the White Paper should be seen as an important first step towards a consolidation of law relating to children, besides including such important subjects as the emergency protection of children including the proposed exclusion order; the extension of local authorities' existing social welfare duties; the revision of the statutory authority for the transfer of parental rights; the duties of local authorities towards children in their care; and various provisions to strengthen the children's hearings system. Work is proceeding on these topics and others which involve central guidance. They will be the subject of further consultation, as appropriate.