To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-14176 by Malcolm Chisholm on 28 March 2001, how much of the additional £36 million to improve services for people with learning disabilities was allocated to specific services for families affected by autistic spectrum disorders.

Information about the use of change funds for 2001-02 is available on the learning disability review website at www.scotland.gov.uk/ldsr. Local authorities were not asked to specify how much of the change funds were allocated to services for families affected by autistic spectrum disorders. However, some areas have identified spending on services including short breaks, employment, joint training and specialised support staff for people with autism.

The audit of services to be carried out as recommended by the Public Health Institute of Scotland’s Autistic Spectrum Disorders Needs Assessment Report will also include information about current expenditure in relevant agencies.