A local authority or a voluntary organisation may, with the consent of the Secretary of State, arrange or assist in arranging the emigration of any child in their care.

The Secretary of State shall not give his consent under this section unless he is satisfied that emigration would benefit the child, and that suitable arrangements have been or will be made for the child's reception and welfare in the country to which he is going, that the parent of the child has been consulted or that it is not practicable to consult him, and that the child consents:

Provided that where a child is too young to form or express a proper opinion on the matter, the Secretary of State may consent to his emigration notwithstanding that the child is unable to consent thereto in any case where the child is to emigrate in company with a parent or relative of his, or is to emigrate for the purpose of joining a parent, relative or friend.