asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he will announce the nature and composition of the inquiry into the case of Paul and Liam Brown.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is able to announce the establishment of the inquiry into the circumstances of the death of Paul Brown; and if this inquiry will cover local government departments as well as local health authorities.

My right hon. Friend has decided to use his powers under section 98 of the Children Act 1975 to appoint a committee of inquiry into the handling of the case of Paul and Liam Brown by the social services committee of the metropolitan borough of Wirral. He hopes to announce the name of the chairman and terms of reference in the new year. Health Service employees may be asked to give evidence, but the Department has not received information or allegations suggesting shortcomings in health services for children in the Wirral which would call for investigation under section 84 of the National Health Service Act 1977.