§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met representatives of the Abbeyfield organisation to discuss the provision of residential care for elderly people; when he next plans to meet them; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 8 July 1992]: My hon. Friend the Minister for Education and Housing attended the national conference of Abbeyfield Societies in September 1989. More recently, an official from my Department gave the opening address at the annual conference of the Abbeyfield Society for Scotland in March this year. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland has no plans at present to meet representatives of the Abbeyfield organisation.
The Government fully recognise the contribution made by the Abbeyfield Society to the care of elderly people and expects the society to continue to play an important role in this area of community care in the future.