§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals he has for the administration of children's homes currently run by local authorities to be offered out for tender to the private sector. [19732]
§ Mr. BurnsNone. It is for local authorities to make such arrangements as they consider appropriate to ensure that homes are available for the care and accommodation of children looked after by them—whether by their own provision or that of the independent sector.