§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he has taken any steps to prepare a list of authorised representatives as defined in section 1 of the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what discussions he has had with interested parties on the need for laying orders to bring into force the provisions contained in the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986; and if he will make a statement;
(3) if he plans to implement in Scotland the provisions of the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986; and if he will make a statement;
(4) if he has had any discussions with interested bodies with a view to securing names of persons with a speclalised knowledge of the needs of disabled persons who can be co-opted to committees as defined in section 10 of the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKayAs indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Monklands, West (Mr. Clarke) on 4 December 1986 at column793, my right hon. and learned 67W Friend has proposed to implement certain provisions in the Act with relatively slight resource implications in the course of 1987–88. These are at present the subject of consultation with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities. Depending on the outcome I hope that the necessary commencement order can be laid in the near future.
Early implementation of sections 1 and 2 is not proposed at present and it is not, in any case, for my right hon. and learned Friend to draw up lists of representatives for this purpose.
On appointments to bodies covered by section 10 of the Act, it is intended to hold discussions with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and other relevant interests at an early date.