A Liberal Democrat MP has called on the government to support parents and extend adoption pay to those who are self-employed.

Lisa Smart, who represents Hazel Grove, suggested that adoptive parents do not receive the same level of government support as those with biological children.

In response, Commons Leader Lucy Powell said this could be put forward by Ms Smart as an amendment to the Government’s Employment Rights Bill, which is currently being passed through the House .

During Business Questions on Thursday, Ms Smart said: “Kirsty, my resident of Hazel Grove, is looking to adopt her child, but as she is self-employed she is not entitled to adoption leave or compensation adoption.

“If she had a biological child, she would be entitled to maternity pay, but at the moment she receives no help from the government to do this.

“Could the Leader of the House set aside some time for the Government to debate what support the Government could provide to adoptive parents?

Ms Powell replied: “Can I thank her for raising the issue of Kirsty in her constituency.

“She knows that the Employment Rights Bill, which explores some of these types of issues, is going through the committee stage of this House, she may want to consider an amendment to this bill, or will certainly raise these questions when this bill returns for its final stages.