§ Mr. Home Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further representations have been made to him by Lothian regional council, Lothian health board and East Lothian district council concerning the proposed day centre for disabled people in Prestonpans; and what time scale he envisages for making decisions under the joint planning and support financing arrangements and section 94 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 in respect of this project.
§ Mr. FairgrieveSince I met the hon. Member on 23 January this year to discuss this proposed day centre I have received two letters from Councillor Nisbet of Lothian regional council, one on behalf of the director of administration for the council and two from the chief executive of East Lothian district council. In addition, my officials have received correspondence from officials of Lothian regional council and Lothian health board in support of the project.
Responsibility for providing facilities such as the proposed day centre lies with the social work department of the regional council concerned. The purpose of support financing arrangements is to enable social work projects of particular benefit to the Health Service to be given a greater degree of priority. My Department recently received additional information from Lothian health board about the proposed Prestonpans centre and this is receiving urgent consideration. I cannot, however, predict when I will be in a position to make the necessary decisions.