To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to change the provision of (a) supported and (b) sheltered accommodation for those suffering from autistic spectrum disorders. [119162]

It is the responsibility of the relevant local statutory bodies to ensure that the particular health and social care needs of each person with autism are met with genuine choices for both clients and families, through the most appropriate community based services, in a cost-effective way. These options may, of course, include sheltered or supported accommodation.We are currently investing £154,000 over three years, through the Section 64 Scheme of Grants to Voluntary Organisations, in the National Autistic Society project "Independence and Autism: Good Practice for Service Providers". This will support the development of new services to enable adults with autism or Asperger's syndrome to live independently.