§ Mr. SykesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library copies of his speech to the social services conference in Edinburgh on 18 October and of the two documents whose publication he announced on that occasion; and if he will make a statement. [83]
§ Mr. BurnsIn his speech on 18 October, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health announced the publication of a consultation document on setting the standards of conduct and practice for social services staff, entitled "The Obligations of Care". Copies are being sent out to interested parties this week. Comments have been requested by 28 February 1997.
My right hon. Friend also announced the publication of Tom Burgner's report on his review of the regulation and inspection of social services, and gave the Government's initial response to it. Copies are being sent to interested parties this week. The Government intend to publish a White Paper on social services in January next year, and some more detailed responses to the Burgner recommendations will be given then. Meanwhile, we shall be initiating the necessary further consultations on particular issues with the relevant interests, whom we shall be approaching direct in due course.
Copies of both documents and of the speech have been placed in the Library.