'For section 69 of the 1989 Act (Power to prohibit private fostering) there is substituted—

''69 (1) Every local authority shall keep a register of persons who act as private foster parents within their area.

(2) A local authority shall not register any person as a private foster parent unless it is satisfied that he is fit to act as a private foster parent.

(3) The Secretary of State shall by regulations make provision as to the considerations to which a local authority is to have regard in reaching a decision as to whether to register a person as a private foster parent.

(4) A local authority shall cancel the registration of any person under subsection (1) if:

(a) it appears to them that the circumstances of the case are such that they would be justified in refusing to register that person as a private foster parent;

(b) the care provided by that person for any privately fostered child is, in the opinion of the authority, inadequate having regard to the needs of that child; or

(c) the premises in which any privately fostered child is or would be accommodated are not suitable for that purpose.

(5) No person shall act as a private foster parent unless he is registered under subsection (1).

(6) A person who contravenes subsection (5) shall be guilty of an offence.

(7) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (6) shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or to both.

(8) A person aggrieved by the refusal of a local authority to register him as a private foster parent may appeal to the court in accordance with paragraph 8 of Schedule 8 to this Act.''.'.—[Mr. Shaw.]

Brought up, and read the First time.

Question proposed [15 January], That the clause be read a Second time.

Question again proposed.