§ Brian CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when the national care standards for younger adults will be introduced. [9499]
§ Jacqui SmithThe standards for younger adults will be introduced on 1 April 2002, when the National Care Standards Commission starts work. Some of the more challenging standards will not be implemented until some time after that for existing providers to be given realistic timescales in which to meet new standards.
§ Brian CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if the report findings from the consultation on national care standards for younger adults will be published. [9496]
§ Jacqui SmithThe Department has received 500 responses to the younger adult and adult placement standards and is in the process of reviewing the standards in the light of the comments that have been received. A summary of these findings will be made available in due course.