Mr Major’s Written Parliamentary Answer on Disabled People – 26 January 1987

Below is the text of Mr Major’s written Parliamentary Answer on Disabled People on 26th January 1987.

Mr. Alfred Morris Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consultations he has now undertaken with representatives of voluntary organisations and of the local authority associations on the implementation of sections 5 and 6 of the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation Act) 1986; if he will bring sections 5(1) and 5(2) into force immediately so that disabled people leaving further education in 1991 may be identified at the age of 14 years and not risk losing their rights under the Act; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Major Officials from the Department met officers of the Association of County Councils and the Association of Metropolitan Authorities on 19 December to discuss the implementation of the Act and, in particular, the possible resource implications of sections 5 and 6 (including sections 5(1) and 5(2).) I am hoping to meet the Associations myself at the earliest practicable date to continue these discussions. I have also agreed to meet representatives of the main voluntary organisations with an interest in the act at an appropriate stage to discuss its implementation. No decision can be taken on the timing of the implementation of sections 5 and 6, or any part of them, until the issue of the possible resource implications of these sections has been resolved.

Mr. Alfred Morris Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make it his policy to make an inquiry under section 36 of the National Assistance Act 1948 of any local authorities which publish a nil budget estimate for any service for which they have a duty to assess the needs of disabled people under section 2 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Major I shall let the right hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.