asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress he is making in introducing a residential care order; what organisations have indicated their opposition to the pro-proposal; and what are the reasons for introducing it.

The purpose of a residential care order will be to strengthen the powers of the courts in relation to juveniles. The details of the legislation which will be necessary for this purpose are still being considered and, until they become the subject of consultation, any views expressed cannot be directly related to our specific proposals.