§ Mr. Carmichaelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many organisations have submitted observations on the proposals made in the White Paper, Social Work and the Community, for reorganising local authority social work services in Scotland; to what extent they support the proposals; and when he proposes to put the proposals into effect.
§ Mr. RossI have received observations on these proposals from 87 organisations and individuals. The proposals are generally supported by observations from a wide range of interests and opinion, and many helpful suggestions have been made. Major features of the proposals have, however, been criticised by the local authority associations, medical professional organisations and the probation service. I have invited representatives of the main bodies in these fields to meet the Joint Parliamentary Under Secretary of State or myself so that their views can be fully considered before I reach conclusions about the proposed reorganisation.