asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action his Department has taken over the past year to seek to ensure that local authorities are fulfilling their duties under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons (Scotland) Act.

It is for local authorities themselves to decide how to discharge their responsibilities under the Act subject to any general guidance which my right hon. Friend may provide. I have no reason to think that they are failing to meet the needs which they have identified in their areas.