(1)The Secretary of State may cause an inquiry to be held into any matter connected with—
(a)the functions of [F1a local authority which are social services functions within the meaning of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970], in so far as those functions relate to children;
(b)the functions of an adoption agency;
(c)the functions of a voluntary organisation, in so far as those functions relate to children;
(d)a [F2private]. . . children’s home or voluntary home;
(e)[F3a care home or independent hospital], so far as it provides accommodation for children;
(f)a home provided [F4in accordance with arrangements made] by the Secretary of State under section 82(5);
(g)the detention of a child under [F5section 92 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000].
(2)Before an inquiry is begun, the Secretary of State may direct that it shall be held in private.
(3)Where no direction has been given, the person holding the inquiry may if he thinks fit hold it, or any part of it, in private.
(4)Subsections (2) to (5) of section 250 of the M1Local Government Act 1972 (powers in relation to local inquiries) shall apply in relation to an inquiry under this section as they apply in relation to a local inquiry under that section.
(5)In this section “functions” includes powers and duties which a person has otherwise than by virtue of any enactment.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 81(1)(a) substituted (26.10.2000 for E. and 28.7.2001 otherwise) by 2000 c. 22, ss. 107, 108(4), Sch. 5 para. 21; S.I. 2000/2849, art. 2(f)
F2Word in s. 81(1)(d) inserted (1.4.2002) by 2000 c. 14, s. 116, Sch. 4 para. 14(17)(a); S.I. 2001/4150, art. 3(3)(a) (subject to transitional provision in art. 4 of the commencing S.I. and to the amendment of art. 3 by S.I. 2002/1493, art. 6); S.I. 2002/920, art. 3(3)(d) (with art. 3(4)-(10) and transitional provisions in Schs. 1-3)
F3Words in s. 81(1)(e) substituted (1.4.2002) by 2000 c. 14, s. 116, Sch. 4 para. 14(17)(b); S.I. 2001/4150, art. 3(3)(a) (subject to transitional provision in art. 4 of the commencing S.I. and to the amendment of art. 3 by S.I. 2002/1493, art. 6); S.I. 2002/920, art. 3(3)(d) (with art. 3(4)-(10) and transitional provisions in Schs. 1-3)
F4Words in s. 81(1)(f) inserted (14.10.1991) by Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 (c. 41, SIF 76:1), s. 116, Sch. 16 para. 21; S.I. 1991/1883, art. 3, Sch.
F5Words in s. 81(1)(g) substituted (25.8.2000) by 2000 c. 6, ss. 165, 168(1), Sch. 9 para. 128
Commencement Information
I1S. 81 in force at 14.10.1991 see s. 108(2)(3) and S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)
Marginal Citations