HC Deb 11 June 1968 vol 766 c24
32. Mr. David Steel

asked the Minister of Health if he is yet in a position to issue guidance to local authorities on the principles which should govern incentive payments to trainees in adult training centres for the mentally handicapped.

Mr. Snow

Guidance was issued last October.

Mr. Steel

Can the Minister say what the response to the guidance has been from the local authorities? Is he satisfied that it is working correctly?

Mr. Snow

It is a little early to read any particular lesson into the guidance that was given, but as regards incentive payments for mentally handicapped patients in training centres, we are under the impression that there are grounds for optimism. We must watch the position over supplementary benefits rather carefully, as I said in reply to an earlier Question.