§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the progress achieved in the transfer of medical care responsibility from the hospital to the community; and whether he is satisfied that the transfer of resources has matched the transfer of responsibility for services.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeProgress continues to be made in strengthening the primary health care services to enable people to be treated in the community wherever appropriate. Progress also continues to be made in improving the personal social services, assisted by NHS funds through the joint financing arrangements. The recently launched care in the community programme will enable people who do not need to be in hospital to move into alternative care outside. Under that programme, health authorities are able to transfer resources matching the transfer of responsibility for patients. The precise financial and other arrangements are for local agreement.