§ Mr. Allen McKayTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will outline the procedure he will be establishing for inspecting and monitoring the quality of community care services provided by the private and voluntary sectors;
(2) under the new arrangements, which agency will have primary responsibility for people who are mentally ill and are also either elderly or have a physical handicap;
(3) what safetguards will be established to protect consumer should services provided by private or voluntary organisations for community care go out of business or fail to meet national quality standards.
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§ Mr. MellorThe Government have been considering the future organisations and management of community care services following Sir Roy Griffiths report "Community Care: Agenda for Action" and the many views received in response to it. Its deliberations are now complete and we hope to make a statement this week.
§ Mr. Allen McKayTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for ring fencing National Health Service resources to ensure funding released by the closure of wards and hospitals will be directed towards community care.
§ Mr. MellorHealth authorities must remain responsible for determining their own expenditure priorities in the light of their knowledge of local needs and circumstances.