§ Mr. Michael Forsythasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the study into the feasability of contracting out local authority services to community organisations and volunteers, sponsored by his Department has been completed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AncramThe study sponsored by my Department made a preliminary investigation into the possibility of improving the sensitivity of some local services to community needs by involving local people in the management of their provision. A report on the findings is under consideration and I have yet to decide what further action, if any, may be appropriate.