§ 5. Sir Russell JohnstonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for the future development of community care in the highlands.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Sir Hector Monro)It is for Highland regional council, in conjunction with the health board, housing agencies, other service providers and users to determine the future pattern of community care services in the Highlands.
§ Sir Russell JohnstonMay I first congratulate the Minister on his promotion? The fact that he is a decade older than I does not mean that he is so much wiser.
Will the Minister look at the calculations that Highland regional council has made on the proposal for a change in community care financing? It has worked out that that will result in a reduction of approximately 400 nursing and day care beds in the next three years. Will the Minister promise that, whatever change is made in community care financing, it will not lead to a reduction in that provision in the Highlands?
§ Sir Hector MonroI am grateful for the hon. Gentleman's kind remarks. Sometimes vintage wine takes a long time to mature.
I cannot give the hon. Gentleman an absolute assurance on the number of places, but constructive talks are going on between my Department, Highland regional council and the health board. I am certain that, by the end of July when we announce the money for the transfers, and later in the autumn when we announce the money for local government, all will be well and the hon. Gentleman will be happy with the outcome.