§ Mr. Tom Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if any health boards or local authorities have requested an extension to the 31 March 1986 deadline set for the preparation of the first round of joint plans.
§ Mr. John MacKayNo such request has been made. Joint plans are intended to be for the guidance of the health boards and local authorities concerned. They do not have to submitted formally to my right hon. Friend; nor do they require his approval, although he has indicated that it would be helpful if copies were sent to him.
§ Mr. Tom Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the areas in which the health boards and local authorities have confirmed to his Department their intention to prepare the joint plans requested on 24 April in the Scottish Office circular entitled "Community Care; Joint Planning and Support Finance".
§ Mr. John MacKayAll health boards, in collaboration with local authorities through joint liaison committees, have been asked to prepare joint plans by 31 March 1986. They are not required to confirm their intentions in this regard.
§ Mr. Tom Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he intends to take in respect of authorities which do not prepare joint plans by 31 March 1986, either (a) to encourage speedy remedial action, or (b) to penalise them for their failure to respond.
§ Mr. John MacKayAny need for further guidance or other measures to encourage advances in joint planning will be considered after 31 March 1986 in the light of progress made in the preceding year.