To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what contribution the Scottish Education Department is making to plans for care in the community.

The social work services group, which is part of the Scottish Education Department, is responsible for co-ordinating, within the Scottish Office, work on the implementation of the Government's community care policy. This includes the preparation of guidance for local authorities. Four consultation papers have so far been issued, including one on community care planning, and formal guidance will be issued in the light of the comments received.