§ Mr. Garel-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to publish the consultative document on the transfer of resources from the National Health Service to the personal social services.
§ Sir George YoungMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services has today issued a consultative document entitled "Care in the Community: A Consultative Document on Moving Resources for Care in England". It suggests a range of possible ways of enabling people who do not need to be in hospital to be cared for in the community where this will benefit them. The Government are determined to make progress in this area. While we are not at present committed to any of these suggestions, we hope that the consultations will lead to establishing generally acceptable solutions. The document makes it clear that progress would need to be achieved within planned resources. The document will be distributed widely to health and local authority interests, including staff representatives, and to the voluntary movement. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House. Copies will be available to hon. Members from the Vote Office.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales hopes to issue a similar document shortly.