§ Mr. Tom Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to meet the Scottish Society for 586W the Mentally Handicapped and other appropriate voluntary organisations to discuss the implementation of the National Health Service (Amendment) Act 1986 in respect of joint planning provisions.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythWe have made clear our preference for a voluntary system of joint planning and my right hon. and learned Friend has no plans at present to introduce mandatory arrangements. We are, however closely monitoring progress on the preparation of joint plans and Health Boards are aware of the need to complete outstanding plans as quickly as possible.