§ Dr. TwinnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made on the proposed new initiative to encourage better use of research evidence in the purchasing and provision of personal social services. [3971]
§ Mr. BurnsThe aim of this new initiative is to help local authorities improve the cost-effectiveness of social services through better use of research evidence. I am very pleased to say that contractual terms have now been agreed, and contracts are likely to be signed very shortly with Exeter university and a consortium of 12 directors of social services in the south-west of England for this jointly funded initiative, beginning in January 1997.