§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects the joint working party to consider the means of harmonising financial support for people in residential care homes to meet for the first time; when he expects them to finish their deliberations; and who will be represented on the working party.
§ Mr. NewtonWe expect the first meeting of the joint working party to be held in about four weeks' time. It will aim to produce a report within 12 months. The DHSS, the Scottish Office, the Welsh Office, the Treasury, the Association of County Councils, the Association of Metropolitan Authorities and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities will be represented.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make the findings of the Ernst and Whinney report on residential care available to the public.
§ Mr. NewtonWe expect to receive Ernst and Whinney's report on residential care and nursing homes at the beginning of next month and will then consider whether, and if so in what form, the report should be published.