HC Deb 25 June 1991 vol 193 c461W
Mr. Rowe

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland under what provisions regional councils are empowered to make payments to severely disabled people to make their own personal assistance arrangements.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

Under section 12 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968, local authorities may make payments to severely disabled people only in an emergency. Such payments must reduce the need for social work assistance in other forms.