§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action has been taken on recommendations 197– 472W 211 and 214–220 of the Finer Committee (pp. 516–518).
§ Mr. PrenticeSeveral of these recommendations fall within the field of responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services.
Responsibility for the services themselves lies with the local authorities. Further development of the services must to a large extent depend on the availability of resources but because the recommendations are broadly in line with current developments these can be expected to be consistent with the recommendations.
My Department and the Department of Health and Social Security are considering whether it would be appropriate to offer any further guidance to local authorities at present.
§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action has been taken on recommendation 131 of the Finer Committee (p. 508).
§ Mr. PrenticeThis recommendation and similar proposals made recently by the Expenditure Committee (Education and Arts Sub-Committee) are being considered.