asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consideration has been given to proposals for private sector involvement in the home help service and other community services for the disabled and elderly.

There is little or no scope for the involvement of the private sector in the provision of community services, including the home help service, in the "Regional Strategic Plan for 1987–92", which will be issued shortly by the Department of Health and Social Services, Health and Social Services Boards are being asked to adopt a more pluralistic approach to the planning and provision of services.