HC Deb 29 November 1994 vol 250 cc691-2W
Ms Rachel Squire

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what considerations led him to favour the private sector for the development of a mixed economy of community care; what consideration he gave to the use of the voluntary sector or direct local provision; and if he will make a statement.

Lord James Douglas Hamilton

[holding answer 28 November 1994]: Prior to 1 April 1993 local authorities purchased no community care services from the private sector. Since then the Government have transferred considerable resources to local authorities which under previous arrangements would have been used to purchase residential and nursing homes care from the private and voluntary sectors. The new arrangements are based on local authorities undertaking an enabling role. They should commission services offering quality and value for timetable will be dependent on completion of the statutory procedures and the availability of finance.