§ Mr. Jon Owen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many families with children with disabilities have received respite care in each year since 1990; and what are the proposed figures for 1993.
§ Mr. BowisInformation about the number of children receiving respite care was first collected centrally, following the implementation of the Children Act 1989, for the period 14 October 1991 to 31 March 1992. No information is collected centrally on the number of families. It is estimated that the number of children with disabilities looked after in England who received respite care during this period, specifically because their parents need relief from problems of stress of caring for them was 2,500.
The decision to offer respite care is a matter for local authorities. Information for the year ending 31 March 1993 is not yet available centrally.
§ Mr. Jon Owen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to increase the number of respite carers for families of children with disabilities.
§ Mr. BowisPlans for respite services are a matter for local authority social services departments, according to local need, resources and priorities.