Carers
28th February 2007
Dr. Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what discussions she has had recently with (a) carers organisations and (b) educational bodies on improving the well being of carers through access to skills, learning and leisure opportunities; and if she will make a statement; [121269]
(2) if she will consult carers centres to identify examples of good practice on learning and leisure opportunities for carers; and if she will make a statement. [121267]
Mr. Ivan Lewis: The Secretary of State has had no recent discussions regarding aspects of the Carers (Equal Opportunities) Act 2004. As part of the new deal for carers, the Department has committed to developing the Prime Minister's 1999 Strategy for Carers. An inter-departmental group, whose members will include the three national carers' organisations, is being formed to focus on this work which is likely to include consideration of carers' access to learning and leisure opportunities. As the work develops, other key stakeholders will be involved and consulted.
