§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what representations he has received from Act Now on full implementation of the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986;
566W(2) what representations he has received on full implementation of the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986 and in particular on section 3 of that Act.
§ Mr. FreemanSince the beginning of this year hon. Members have addressed five parliamentary questions on 567W this issue to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State. In addition, an amendment to the National Health Service and Community Care Bill was put down in Committee, the effect of which would have been to implement the remaining sections of the Act. Over this period, the Department also received four letters on the subject, one from Act Now. In two instances, representations made particular mention of section 3.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to complete his consultation on sections 1, 2 and 3 of the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986.
§ Mr. FreemanIt is too soon to give a precise date. Officials wrote to the local authority associations, asking for their comments by 31 May. This will be followed by discussions, the number and length of which will depend on the initial response.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health which Minister in his Department is responsible for full implementation of the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986; and if he will take steps to ensure that all correspondence and representations concerning the Act reach the same section of the Department.
§ Mr. FreemanMy right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State has ultimate responsibility for decisions on implementation of legislation relating to health and personal social services. Correspondence and representations concerning the Act are normally directed to designated officials within the Department.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health with which organisations he is consulting on implementation of sections 1, 2 and 3 of the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986.
§ Mr. FreemanWe are currently consulting the Association of County Councils, the Association of Metropolitan Authorities, and the Association of Directors of Social Services.