§ Mr. Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will report on progress towards increased flexibility in use of support finance to help the mentally handicapped;
(2) if he plans changes in the funds available for support finance for the mentally handicapped.
§ Mr. John MacKaySupport finance is available to assist a wide range of social work projects, and within the total funds available there is no specific allocation for the mentally handicapped. It is the responsibility of health boards, as part of their joint planning with local authorities, to decide which projects they wish to assist.
We are reviewing the arrangements for the support finance scheme, including its possible extension to housing and education as well as social work. Meanwhile, the scheme will continue in its present form, and we are at present considering how much to make available in 1984–85.