HC Deb 07 April 1971 vol 815 cc430-1
16. Mr. Douglas

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement regarding the advice given by his Department on the education of the mentally handicapped.

The Under-Secretary of State for Health and Education, Scottish Office (Mr. Edward Taylor)

The most recent general advice was my right hon. Friend's invitation to education authorities in October to assume responsibility for the education and training of children in mental and mental deficiency hospitals from the beginning of session 1971–72.

Mr. Douglas

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that interesting reply. Does he not concede that there is now becoming an obvious need in Scotland for cooperation between the local authorities in establishing some form of centre to give advice and the benefit of experience in up-to-date techniques in assessing the ability of the mentally handicapped?

Mr. Taylor

I will look further into that point, but I understand that the degree of co-operation at present is of a high level.

Mr. John Smith

Will the hon. Gentleman also bear in mind the special problem of young people who are mentally ill? Many of them are kept in hospital wards where most of the patients are much older or are geriatric patients. Will he take steps to see that provision is made in many areas for dealing separately with the problems of mentally-ill young persons?

Mr. Taylor

This is a very important problem and I shall be glad to look into any cases of difficulty which the hon. Gentleman has in mind.