§ 20. Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what additional resources he is making available to health boards to ensure that the needs of handicapped people are provided for in the community.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe bulk of services for handicapped people in the community is provided by local authorities. Between 1979 and 1989 provision in rate support grant for expenditure by social work departments was increased by 65 per cent. in real terms enabling authorities to make substantial increases in the level of those services.
§ Mr. GriffithsWhy have the Government done so little to consult those people involved in caring for people in the community? Why is the Government's response to the Griffiths report in Scotland already at the printers?
§ Mr. ForsythThe hon. Gentleman is either misled or is misinforming the House. The Government have consulted carefully on Griffiths and allowed a substantial period for consultation before publishing the White Paper proposals, which we shall do shortly.