§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many adoption orders have been set aside in each of the last 10 years. [156526]
§ Mr. LammyThis information is not collected centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
An adoption order can only be set aside in wholly exceptional circumstances. Section 52 of the Adoption Act 1976 provides for the revocation of an adoption order where a person adopted by his father or mother alone subsequently becomes legitimate on the marriage of his parents. Section 53 provides for the annulment of overseas and Hague Convention adoptions on grounds of public policy. There is no other statutory basis for revoking a validly made adoption order.