HC Deb 03 December 1984 vol 69 cc81-3W
Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why it is necessary for Ministers to

Mr. John Patten

Hundreds of organisations, voluntary and statutory, were involved with the "supporting the informal carers" exercise. The 10 reports produced, copies of which I have placed in the Library, explain and illustrate the scale and scope of the exercise. All these organisations accordingly played a part in the development of those elements of the "Helping the Community to Care" programme that are aimed at improving support for informal carers and which flowed from the exercise.

Mr. Meacher

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what proportion of the £.10.5 million of the "Helping the Community to Care" scheme has now been allocated; to which organisations; and for which purposes;

(2) if he will list all voluntary organisations working directly with his Department on the "Helping the Community to Care" scheme.

Mr. John Patten

The "Helping the Community to Care" programme is made up of 12 distinct elements which have the common purpose of assisting volunteers, families and others to care for people who need support.

The table lists these elements. Discussions are still in progress with a large number of voluntary interests and where particular bodies have accepted an invitation to participate in management of a part of the programme their names are included. For most elements only limited sums have been committed so far to meet initial expenditure. Allocation of the total sum between the various elements will depend on settlement of the detailed arrangements in each case.

approve draft short lists before appointment of regional and district managers in the National Health Service can proceed.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Our guidance to health authorities makes clear that, in discharging our responsibility to oversee the appointments process, Ministers should have an opportunity to consider all health authorities' proposals for the identification of a suitable person to carry responsibility for the general management function.

Mr. Terry Davis

asked the Secretary of Slate for Social Services how many people applied for the post of general manager of the West Midlands regional health authority.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

So far I understand that about 20 applications have been received. All information about individual candidates for general manager appointments must remain confidential.