Commentary on Sections Part 1 – Adoption Chapter 2 – The Adoption Service Section 17: Inquiries
69.Section 17 provides that the appropriate Minister may cause an inquiry to be held into any matter connected with the functions of an adoption agency. Subsection (2) enables him to direct, before the inquiry begins, that it is to be held in private. In the absence of a direction from the appropriate Minister, the person holding the inquiry may decide whether to hold it, or any part of it, in private. The provisions in section 250(2) to (5) of the Local Government Act 1972 are to apply. This section follows the model of section 81 of the Children Act 1989, which also provides for inquiries.