§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his written answer of 14 May on his powers to intervene in the operations of regional social work departments, if he will list the statutory functions that a local authority social work department should have failed to carry out before he uses his default powers under section 211 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973; and if he will make a statement as to the circumstances under which he would use those powers.
§ Mr. Lang[holding answer 18 May 1990]: Action under section 211 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 may be taken in respect of a local authority failing to carry out any of its statutory duties. A decision would be made in each case after careful consideration of the circumstances.