The department of health is to take over responsibility for the Child Migrant Central Information Index set up by the NCVCCO.

There have been more than 870 enquiries since the list was set up in April 1999 to help former British child migrants trace their personal records and travel to the UK to reunite with close family.

It contains information about children sent to Australia, Canada and New Zealand between 1920 and 1967.

The index has helped 105 child migrants and their families find personal information.

Unlike the NCVCCO, the DoH will no longer carry out searches on behalf of people.

Instead, its website will offer information about the agencies that might be able to help find records and relatives.

Go to www.doh.gov.uk/childinf