To ask the Scottish Executive what action is being taken to ensure the full implementation of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 and, in particular, of the national care standards.

We are phasing in regulation by the Care Commission of the wide range of services defined in the act. The implementation of the new registration and inspection framework set in place by the act, including application of the national care standards, is an operational matter for the Care Commission.

Implementation of the Scottish Social Services Council's requirements under the act will also be phased. They have already published codes of practice and conduct and phased registration of the workforce will begin in April 2003.

Ministers and their officials meet regularly with the commission and the council to discuss their progress with the performance targets set out in their respective corporate plans.