§ Lord Northbourneasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they propose to implement the recommendations in the Utting Report People Like Us which states, "The responsibilities of parents are not clearly stated in the law for England and Wales. Government should define these in primary legislation: or issue a statement of them when next it legislates on matters that affect them". [HL1254]
§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Irvine of Lairg)It would not be appropriate to define all the circumstances of parental responsibility, which is bound to vary with the age and capacity of the child. Any list of responsibilities would be subject to challenge. The circumstances of each case should be considered. The Government recognises that one third of children are born to unmarried parents and the Adoption and Children Bill currently before Parliament proposes that unmarried fathers who jointly register a birth with the mother will acquire parental responsibility without further formality.