HC Deb 06 May 1994 vol 242 cc676-7W
Ms Rachel Squire

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he intends to introduce a requirement that a set proportion of local authority expenditure on community care must be spent in the private sector.

Mr. Stewart

Under powers proposed in the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Bill it would be possible for my right hon. Friend to require a proportion of local authority expenditure on community care to be spent in the voluntary and private sectors should he consider this necessary to ensure the development of the mixed economy of care.

Ms Rachel Squire

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the cost of implementing formal directions on purchasing in community care plans, for local authorities.

Mr. Stewart

The directions will require local authorities to include in the community care plans that they are already required to provide information which should assist more cost-effective purchasing of services.

Ms Rachel Squire

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are his intentions for consultation with hon. Members on the draft circular on community care plans.

Mr. Stewart

In accordance with normal practice, my right hon. Friend has consulted widely among appropriate bodies on the draft circular on community care plans. It is not normal to consult hon. Members on draft circulars.

Ms Rachel Squire

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy for ensuring adequate funding for the development of good-quality public services by councils and the voluntary sector in the provision of care in the community.

Mr. Stewart

Substantial resources are being transferred from the Department of Social Security to Scottish local authorities to meet their new responsibilities. My right hon. Friend has also made available significant additional resources to enable them to develop community care services.