HC Deb 07 July 1969 vol 786 cc945-6
30. Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in view of the varying amounts of money spent by local authorities on community care services, whether he will set up an operational research programme to evaluate in depth those services provided.

Mr. Snow

My Department already supports a substantial programme of operational research in the health and welfare services.

Mr. Dobson

Would my hon. Friend agree that there is not much sign locally of co-ordination between neighbouring units in this matter? Is he satisfied with the amount of coverage given to operational research in the sector of which he is speaking, because I fear that there is not much of it coming out locally?

Mr. Snow

The total cost of projects sponsored by my Department and currently in progress concerned with the evaluation of local authority community care is approximately £390,000. Of this total, £160,000 is for studies of services for the mentally ill and subnormal. If my hon. Friend has a particular area in which he thinks that there is a shortcoming of services within the expenditure which I have mentioned, perhaps he will let me know.

Mr. Lubbock

Is the Under-Secretary aware that these services can be effectively provided only if there is proper co-ordination? Is he aware that some local authorities are reorganising their personal social services in a manner which conflicts with the recommendations of the Seebohm Report? When will the Secretary of State be in a position to make a statement on this matter?

Mr. Snow

My right hon. Friend is well aware of that activity by certain local authorities. We are considering the matter.