§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what circulars or other information or directives have been sent to social service departments of local authorities regarding the implementation of the Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995. [11825]
§ Mr. BowisThe Department has prepared a circular giving detailed policy and practice guidance to local and health authorities on implementing the Act, which comes into force on 1 April 1996. We recently consulted interested parties on the draft guidance, and we shall shortly be issuing the final document to local and health authorities.