HC Deb 07 July 2000 vol 353 c314W
Ms Buck

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement concerning his review of adoption of children from care. [130095]

The Prime Minister

I have today published a study from the Performance and Innovation Unit (PIU), which forms the first part of my review of adoption. Copies of the study have been placed in the Vote Office and the Libraries. I asked the PIU to provide an initial assessment of the main problem areas, identify options and make recommendations to the Government on the use of adoption for children in the care of local authorities. The report contains a range of options for promoting greater use of adoption, and for making it faster and more straightforward. To ensure that there is the fullest possible debate on this issue, the report is published for consultation. In the light of views expressed in consultation we will then publish a White Paper before the end of the year setting out the Government's new approach to adoption, and including proposals for new legislation, to be introduced next year.