Written question asked by Lord Wigley (Plaid Cymru) on Monday, 15 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 January 2001. It was answered by Lord Murphy of Torfaen (Labour) on Thursday, 18 January 2001 on behalf of the Wales Office.

Office of the Secretary of State for Wales

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what action is being taken as a result of the establishment of an Adoption Register for England and Wales to ensure that Welsh-speaking children are placed in Welsh-speaking families.

Answer: Mr. Wigley: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action is being taken as a result of the establishment of an Adoption Register for England and Wales to ensure that Welsh-speaking children are placed in Welsh- speaking families. [146026] Mr. Paul Murphy: The Adoption Register for England and Wales will be operated in accordance with National Adoption Standards for England, Scotland and Wales, a consultation draft of which has recently been published, in Wales, by the National Assembly. The draft standards specifically recognise the importance, when making decisions, of respecting and considering children's ethnic origin, cultural background, religion and language.

Secondary information