§ Mr. GalbraithTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has reviewed the guarantee given in 1986 that the resettlement unit at Bishopbriggs would not be closed until he is satisfied that there are suitable alternative facilities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloSince the Government's policy on resettlement units was announced on 5 February 1985, it has been our aim to ensure that suitable alternative schemes are in operation before the units close. That is still our objective and review teams and officials are working towards it, making useful progress in respect of most of the units.
In the case of Bishopbriggs resettlement unit progress has been slow. Although we cannot guarantee that, regardless of eventualities, the unit will remain open indefinitely, we do believe that it should be possible to provide suitable alternative facilities before closure.