HC Deb 07 July 1969 vol 786 cc946-7
20. Mrs. Knight

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimate he has made of the appropriate ratio of mental welfare officers per thousand population.

Mr. Snow

The ratio of mental welfare officers needed depends on many factors which vary from one area to another.

Mrs. Knight

Does the hon. Gentleman think that that reply answers the Question adequately? There are a number of reasons for concern in certain areas about the supply of mental welfare officers. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that concern exists?

Mr. Snow

I think it is a glimpse of the obvious to say that there is a variation in local demand. A ratio per thousand population in present-day conditions does not seem to be useful for comparative purposes, though local health authorities plan to provide an average of 0.05 mental health social workers per thousand population in 1975.

Mr. Moonman

I wonder whether my hon. Friend would, nevertheless, take us into his confidence about what he thinks is the right ratio. My hon. Friend indicated that there were local variations, but is not there also a policy within the Ministry to go beyond that? This is a creative thing, and not simply the rubber stamping of the activities of individual organisations.

Mr. Snow

We shall listen to what local authorities have to say in the light of their experience. We think that the target I gave is a reasonable one, but we should like to watch events in this matter.