§ Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to establish the General Social Care Council; and if he will make a statement. [122766]
§ Mr. HuttonWe propose to establish the General Social Care Council on 1 October 2001.
Originally we had intended to establish the new Council on 1 April 2001. However, the GSCC Advisory Group, set up to consider the requirements for a well functioning Council, has recommended October 2001 as a more appropriate start date. This will allow sufficient time to complete the many tasks that have to be undertaken for the Council to begin its important work. The Care Standards Bill, which is currently before this House, proposes vital functions for the GSCC that will increase the level of safety offered to the public. We see it as being in the best interests of the public and the GSCC itself that sufficient time is allowed in order to deliver a Council that is ready and able to take forward these vital functions.
The GSCC Advisory Group will be continuing its role until the Council is established in shadow form.