31. Mr. Robert HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the chairmen of regional health boards in Scotland and with COSLA on proposals for community care.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythI hold regular meetings with Scottish health board chairmen and my hon. Friend the Minister of State met COSLA on 15 May 1990 to discuss the Government's community care proposals.
§ 50. Mr. GrahamTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress he is making in implementing the Government's plans for the reform of community care.
§ Mr. LangThree consultation papers have already been issued, in regard to my right hon. and learned Friend's proposals, for the inspection of residential care homes, community care plans and the payment of a specific grant to local authorities with social work responsibilities for mental illness projects. Responses to these papers are currently under consideration with a view to the preparation of formal guidance for local authorities. There will be consultations on further matters including the assessment of community care needs, co-operation between housing authorities and local authorities and arrangements for purchase by local authorities of services from private and voluntary sector agencies.
§ 58. Mr. Norman HoggTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with regional and island authorities regarding community care; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangI have had two meetings on this subject with representatives of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities social work committee—one on 8 September and the other on 15 May 1990. Both these discussions were useful and constructive. The more recent one served in particular to confirm that local authorities share fully in the positive response to the proposals in the White Paper "Caring for People".