HC Deb 17 June 1996 vol 279 cc349-50W
Mr. Milburn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to encourage the provision of home help services by the private sector. [33052]

Mr. Bowis

Local authorities are required to include proposals for purchasing non-residential care services from the independent sector in their community care plans. We have encouraged providers in the independent sector to contribute to the consultation stage of these plans.