Hansard

Families: Parents

Volume 697: debated on Monday 7 January 2008

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Lord Northbourne

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether there are any definitions in English law of the responsibilities of a parent other than that in the Children Act 1989; and, if so, in which statutes they are to be found. [HL967]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Children, Schools and Families
(Lord Adonis)

The meaning of “parental responsibility” is set out in the Children Act 1989. However, other legislation places responsibilities on parents, such as the requirement of the Education Act 1996 to ensure that parents enable their children to receive education. A full search of all statutes would be a substantial undertaking and can only be provided at a disproportionate cost.