§ Mr. Alan HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the recommendations in the report of the Disablement Income Group entitled "An Opportunity Lost". [15058]
§ Mr. BowisThe report makes seven recommendations, most of which are aimed at local authorities. The recommendation to central Government that former independent living fund resources within the special transitional grant should be ringfenced has been considered. It would, however, restrict their flexibility in using their resources. Local authorities are, of course, free to ring fence their own funds. We do not, however, consider that the important tool of ring fencing should be used at central Government level in this instance.