§ Mr. HannamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will consult with voluntary organisations in drawing up his code of guidance to local authorities on the proposed assessment procedures outlined in "Caring for People";
(2) if, in his code of guidance to local authorities on the proposed assessment procedures outlined in "Caring for People" he will direct local authorities to consult local voluntary organisations and representatives of disabled people and carers when determining their own assessment procedures.
(3) if, in his code of guidance to local authorities on the proposed assessment procedures outlined in "Caring for People" he will advise that carers should have a right to ask for an assessment of their needs;
(4) whether he will involve voluntary organisations experienced in the field in his discussions on the training needs of those involved in the proposed assessment procedures outlined in "Caring for People".
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe Department has in hand a programme to develop guidance for local authorities. Voluntary and professional organisations will be consulted during the preparation of this guidance. In the course of preparing the guidance we shall be considering what advice to give authorities on local consultation and the training needs of those carrying out assessments. Under our community care proposals, carers will be able to ask that their own care needs should be considered as well as those of the person they are caring for.