Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Tim Loughton and Joan Ruddock

Monday 16th April 2012 Commons Chamber

[Tim Loughton]

Given how much work we did before the general election, and how much we have done since, on the whole gamut of adoption, the hon. Lady will know that chasing easy headlines is the least of my concerns. I am concerned about getting a better deal for children who find themselves in the care system through no fault of their own. That means dealing with children’s services departments that are not treating adoption as a priority, dealing with the family justice system, which is too slow and tardy, and ensuring that every step of the way we are focused on getting the best outcomes for children who find themselves in the care system. That is not an easy headline; it is something that the Government place a great priority on.

[Dame Joan Ruddock (Lewisham, Deptford) (Lab)]

2. What steps his Department is taking to reduce the number of young people not in education, employment or training.