HC Deb 23 February 1999 vol 326 c215W
25. Mr. Ernie Ross

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the progress made by the Social Exclusion Unit in Scotland. [70844]

Mr. Macdonald

We have been developing a social inclusion strategy for Scotland to ensure that the action already underway achieves the greatest possible impact. We have established the Social Exclusion Network to co-ordinate policy and action to promote social inclusion across The Scottish Office, and have also set up the Scottish Social Inclusion Network to assist us in preparing a statement of our strategy which we aim to publish shortly.

From 1 July 1999 this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.