Child Care

Ms. Harman
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish the responses received to the discussion papers prepared by the child care law working party.

Mr. John Patten
The discussion papers were issued by the working party. The responses will be sent to them. We will consider what material to make available publicly when the working party's report has been submitted to us.

Ms. Harman
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the terms of reference of the working party review of child care law have been extended beyond codification of the present laws.

Mr. John Patten
The terms of reference of the working party on child care law are as follows: "In the light of the Report of the Social Services Committee on Children in Care and of evidence given to the Committee and other relevant material to make proposals and set out options for codification and amendment of child care law."