To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish a list of non-departmental public bodies (a) he has abolished since 1 May 1997 and (b) he has established since 1 May 1997; and what are the planned annual running costs of those that have been established since 1 May 1997. [34828]

We announced on 22 December 1997 our intention to legislate to establish a General Care Council which will replace the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work (an Executive non-departmental public body) as the body responsible for social services training.Since 1 May 1997 the Department has established the Royal Commission on Long Term Care of the Elderly, which has planned annual running costs for 1998–99 of £673,000.