Mental Illness and Mental Deficiency (Report) (Hansard, 11 November 1957)

§ 43. Mr. Dodds
asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made in the consideration given to the recommendations by the Royal Commission on Mental Illness and Mental Deficiency; and what action is to be taken to improve the present situation by administrative means and also, where necessary, by legislation.

§ 60. Mr. Blenkinsop
asked the Minister of Health whether he will make a statement on the progress of discussions with local authorities on the implementation 602 of the recommendations of the Percy Report on Mental Illness and Mental Deficiency.

§ Mr. Walker-Smith
Most of the authorities and associations who were invited to send in their views on the Report have now done so. Some of these are preliminary comments formulated by subcommittees and are subject to confirmation, and the views of a few other bodies are still awaited. Legislation will not be possible in the present Session, but I am actively considering what can be done by administrative means in advance of legislation.

§ Mr. Dodds
Is not the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that, in view of the sweeping recommendations of the Royal Commission, many who understand the evils of this system are bitterly disappointed that there is no reference in the Gracious Speech to any legislation whatever, and that his further statement that nothing will take place this Session will be a shock to many people?

§ Mr. Walker-Smith
It would be a greater shock to thinking people if it were proposed to formulate legislation without waiting for the comments of the bodies whose advice and views we have very properly sought.

§ Mr. Blenkinsop
In connection with the Minister's statement that some administrative action is to be taken, may ask whether he will make some statement now about the financial position of the local authorities to enable them to carry out the new responsibilities which are to be put upon them if the proposals are to be carried out?

§ Mr. Walker-Smith
Not yet, Sir, but, of course, I have in mind the recommendations in regard to local authorities and their financial implications.