§ Mr. DunnachieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will release additional funds to enable greater respite care facilities to be offered within Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lang[holding answer 18 July 1990]: As regards resources for local authorities, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to his question on 3 July 1990. In addition, my right hon. and learned Friend makes financial assistance directly available to voluntary organisations in the social work field. Grants are currently made to Crossroads (Scotland) and a number of other bodies at national level which promote local respite care services. Support for voluntary organisations providing local caring services is seen as essentially the responsibility of local authorities and in some circumstances, health boards.