§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is now being made by Scottish local authorities in identifying chronically sick and disabled persons in their areas and in providing appropriate services for them; and what action he is taking to encourage full implementation of the provisions of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970 and the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons (Scotland) Act, 1972.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellDuring 1971 the number of physically handicapped people receiving services from local authority social work departments increased by about 30 per cent. The proposals I am now receiving from authorities for the further development of social work services up to 1978 include their proposals for the identification and provision of services for those in need. My Department has issued a number of circulars to local authorities about their statutory responsibilities for the disabled and will continue to give such advice and assistance as it can.