THE Government has been accused of hypocrisy over withdrawing cash from the Overseas Adoption Helpline.

Bolton MP Peter Thurnham is shocked that the Department of Health is cutting finance to the service while its Secretary of State, Stephen Dorrell, is announcing plans to make the adoption process more independent, open and parent-friendly.

Yesterday Mr Dorrell promised to take the "political correctness" and dogma out of adoption.

But Mr Thurnham has tabled a Commons motion today demanding that, as part of that process, he restore funding to the Helpline. The Bolton North-east Liberal Democrat said: "It is unacceptable that Stephen Dorrell can announce that adoption is to be given more independence and openness while his department is simultaneously withdrawing funds from the Overseas Adoption Helpline.

"Does the Government's left hand know what its right is doing?

"The Helpline, which has helped 14,000 callers over the past five years, is the only source of accurate, independent information and advice to would-be adopters, social workers and other professionals struggling through the difficulties and complicated procedures, both here and abroad, facing those who wish to adopt from overseas."

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