HC Deb 08 May 1984 vol 59 cc351-2W
16. Ms Richardson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is considering seeking powers to take action against local authorities which make no social services provision for under-fives.

Mr. John Patten

No. It is for local authorities to decide on the level of provision they make in their areas for the under-fives bearing in mind local needs and resources and private and voluntary provision.

20. Ms Clare Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how he monitors standards and level of provision for under-fives by (a) local authorities and (b) voluntary organisations.

Mr. John Patten

Monitoring is carried out by regular receipt of information, including annual statistical returns, from local authorities about their own provision and that made by others in their areas which they have a duty to supervise; by liaison between the Department and professional associations and voluntary organisations and by visits and discussions with local authorities and voluntary bodies by the DHSS social work service. Special arrangements have been made to monitor the under-Eves initiative.