§ Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he is issuing to local authorities concerning the evaluation of alternative care options for people with learning difficulties. [8209]
§ Mr. BurnsI will write to all directors of social services and chief executives of health authorities about the second phase of the research project evaluating various types of residential support for people with learning disabilities before Christmas. I intend to make it clear in my letter that departmental guidance remains as set out in LAC(92)15, copies of which are available in the Library, and that therefore all forms of residential provision including village communities remain options to be considered by those planning and purchasing services.