Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Jessica Lee Excerpts
Monday 17th October 2011

(12 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Michael Gove Portrait Michael Gove
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I am now aware of that situation. I do not know whether it is a national trend. Of course, every child deserves the opportunity to have school milk.

Jessica Lee Portrait Jessica Lee (Erewash) (Con)
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T7. In light of the recent UK adoption rate figures, will my hon. Friend set out what steps the Government are taking to continue to encourage prospective adopting parents to come forward to be assessed? Those in Erewash and throughout the UK could provide much-needed homes for looked-after children.

Tim Loughton Portrait The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Tim Loughton)
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My hon. Friend makes a very good point, and she knows that the Government are absolutely committed to improving the lot of looked-after children in this country and getting more of those for whom it is appropriate into adoption. We need to get the message across loud and clear that people who want to do the noble deed of coming forward and showing an interest in adoption should be welcomed with open arms at the town hall door and given every encouragement, rather than the “Don’t call us, we’ll call you” attitude that has prevailed in too many places up to now. We will make that change.