§ Mr. Tom ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to complete his consultations with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities on the Disabled Persons (Service, Representation and Consultation) Act 1986; when he expects to implement the sections appropriate to disabled and mentally handicapped pupils leaving special schools; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythCurrent consultations with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities relate solely to the section on handicapped pupils leaving special schools. I hope that it will be possible to implement this provision, section 13 of the Act, later in the current financial year. As was made plain during the passage of the Bill through Parliament, the timing of implementation will depend on the availability of resources. Clearly, some of the provisions not yet commenced carry substantial implications for local authority services. I shall keep this matter under review, but I have no plans at present to consult the convention on a possible programme for commencing further provisions.