his handling of the Nambour Day Nursery wrangle.

He said Government had pumped "full resources'' into probing allegations of child abuse. And the investigation was continuing, he stressed.

"While we sympathise with the families, we are unable to take legal action without evidence that will stand up in court.'' Mr. Edness was parrying criticism from parents who pulled their children from the nursery. The parents claimed Mr. Edness had accepted staff at his Ministry had been inactive over the controversy.

Last week Nambour's owners Mr. David and Lydia Oliveira announced they were retiring. They said their decision was brought on by a steady stream of abuse allegations. These have been vigorously denied.

Some parents are expected to file a lawsuit against the nursery.

Last night Mr. Edness defended Government over the Nambour controversy.

While not mentioning Nambour by name, it is understood his comments related to the nursery.

He said an investigation into complaints about a nursery was launched after a February meeting between parents, Social Services Department staff and Police.

An approach was made to a local day care centre to examine its practices and procedures, he added.

Mr. Edness said the investigation had been carried out satisfactorily -- despite some initial "technical errors''.

And he added: The investigation mirrored similar inquiries in North America where Police, social workers and "treatment staff'' worked closely; The need for "treatment and related services'' was considered while potential evidence was gathered; The Institute for the Prevention of Child Abuse in Toronto was consulted; He met with parents and senior Social Services Department staff to keep families up to date with developments and provide reassurance; Parents were offered the help of Child and Adolescent Services, and arrangements made for a support group; and A full review of the practices and programme of the nursery was undertaken.

Said Mr. Edness: "In conclusion, the full resources of Government have been directed at these allegations and every effort has been made to resolve the matter.

"Some children have been traumatised by abusive experiences, but we have not yet been able to substantiate how, where or by whom.''