HC Deb 25 May 1971 vol 818 cc219-20
20. Mrs. Kellett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has considered the report by the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association on Mental Illness in City and Suburb, a copy of which has been sent to him, saying that certain areas have pockets of high concentration of mentally ill; and if he will sponsor similar studies in each local authority area when planning community care.

Sir K. Joseph

I have studied this report and am aware of its conclusions. Hospital admission and discharge figures provide some planning guidance about the need for community care, and it is for local and hospital authorities in each area to consider together whether any supplementary studies are needed.

Mrs. Kellett

I thank my right hon. Friend for his answer. I hope he will accept that these studies are vital if we are to help everyone who is capable of doing so to return to normal life by every means in our power, including, in particular, hostels. Will my right hon. Friend consult our right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment to see whether a scheme can be worked out whereby people willing to look after mentally-disturbed relatives can do so at home, helped by improvement grants to cover flatlet extensions to their homes?

Sir K. Joseph

I will certainly do that. We have a long way to go in improving the co-ordination between the health services and social services and the homes and individuals.

26. Mr. O'Halloran

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what studies have been made, and their results communicated to him of mental illness in Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow; and how the position in those cities compares with London.

Sir K. Joseph

I am not aware of any recent or specific studies of mental illness in these cities which I could compare with what is known of the position in London.

Mr. O'Halloran

I am grateful for that reply, but is the right hon. Gentleman aware that East London has a much higher than national average as regards mental illness? Could he give an explanation for that?

Sir K. Joseph

No, I am unable to give one, but I am sure that there is a higher proportion of mentally ill persons in some parts of the country who have no help available to them other than institutional help, and that may be the explanation.