§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) which organisations he will be consulting in developing his proposals for a General Social Services Council; [5883]
(2) when he expects to publish his proposals for a General Social Services Council; [5884]
(3) what is his policy in respect of procedures for involving users, carers and the public in a General Social Services Council; [5885]
(4) if he will consult (a) by way of survey and (b) by other means, the opinions of the work force who will come under the General Social Services Council. [5886]
§ Mr. BoatengWe expect to publish our proposals for a General Social Services Council in a consultation document in autumn 1997. We intend to consult all those232W with an interest in such a Council including employers, users and carers, staff and the wider public. Our proposals will outline how the essential interest of those who use social services, their carers and the general public will be secured in the arrangements for a Council.