§ Mr. DonaldsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the conclusion of the first report from the Health Committee of Session 1998–99 on the relationship between health and social services (HC74) in respect of the model of integrated 647W health and social services operated by the Down Lisburn Trust; and what plans she has to encourage other trusts in Northern Ireland to adopt that model. [71324]
§ Mr. McFall[holding answer 16 February 1999] In Northern Ireland health and social services have been provided within an integrated structure since 1972. Eleven of the existing 19 HSS Trusts provide health and social services on an integrated basis, some on a model similar to the Down Lisburn Trust. As part of the modernisation of the service, the Government are examining responses to their recent consultation paper on the structure of health and social services entitled "Fit for the Future". Decisions on future arrangements will be taken by the Northern Ireland Assembly.