§ 8. Mr. Iremongerasked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement on the progress being made by local health authorities in the development of their mental health services consequent upon the provisions of the Mental Health Act, 1959; and if he will make special reference in that statement to developments in the treatment under Section 4 (4) of persons suffering from psychopathic disorder not associated with subnormality of intelligence.
§ 19. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Minister of Health whether he has now received 4 from all local health authorities their proposals for the development of community mental health services as provided for under the Mental Health Act, 1959, and the National Health Service Act, 1946; how many schemes have been approved and how many disapproved in whole or in part; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithNearly all local health authorities have now put to me their new proposals for providing mental health services; after interested organisations have been given an opportunity to comment, approval, with minor modifications, has so far been given in thirteen cases. The proposals show an intention to develop the services at a reasonable rate with the ultimate object of meeting all needs. It is not possible to say at this stage the extent to which the local authority services will be of value to persons suffering from psychopathic disorder.
§ Mr. IremongerWhile I thank my right hon. and learned Friend for that reply, is he aware that it justifies the much criticised decision which he took at the time of the passing of the Act to make these services not mandatory but to leave them to local health authorities? Will he make an opportunity from time to time to inform the House of developments that are taking place in this uncharted field?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithYes, I will certainly have that constructive suggestion closely in mind. I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his remarks. The speed with which we have gone under the procedure we adopted has shown very good results to date.
§ Mr. RobinsonThe schemes of many local health authorities are couched in somewhat vague terms because of their uncertainty of being able to get the money necessary to develop this service under the general grant. How many local health authorities have not yet produced schemes, and how long will it be before, according to the Minister's expectations, all local health authority schemes will have been considered and approved by him?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI do not consider that the schemes are couched in vague and general terms. They make constructive and positive proposals, many of 5 which, such as hostels, will require new buildings and additional staffing before they are fully effective.
There are, as the hon. Gentleman will know, 146 authorities concerned. Of these, 120 have submitted to me their formal proposals and another 14 have done so informally. That leaves 12 who have yet to come, and they are being followed up with a view to bringing home to them the desirability of submitting their proposals as soon as possible.