§ Mr. Severasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress there has been on the research programme on provision for disabled people being carried out by the Crossroads Care Attendant Scheme Trust.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisThe Crossroads Care Attendant Scheme, in co-operation with my Department and the Department of the Environment, is undertaking a research programme into the housing and care needs of disabled people. I am pleased to report that the research is under way in four parts of England and it is hoped that a Scottish area will also participate. I have now authorised payment of a total of up to £49,000 over the next two and a half years to the Crossroads Trust for the programme. This will match the financial commitment of the four English social services authorities taking part. I regard this work as of great importance in the development of a wider range of services to disabled people living in the community.
I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a letter which I have sent to Mr. Leonard Mathews of The Crossroads Trust, informing him of the payment I have now authorised.