§ Q6. Mr. Moonmanasked the Prime Minister if he will give consideration to recommending a Royal Commission on community care for the mentally sick and handicapped.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. The need now is for effective action in this field rather than a further inquiry. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services has already announced that she will be making a statement as soon as possible on the Government's policy for the mentally handicapped and also that we intend to publish a White Paper setting out our overall strategy for the development of a comprehensive pattern of health and social services for the mentally ill.
§ Mr. MoonmanI thank my right hon. Friend for that statement and for the remarks of his right hon. Friend. Will he reconsider the need for a Royal Commission which would take into account the variations in services which exist between one part of the country and another, evidence of which was given in the Questions which 30 hon. Members put on the Order Paper?
§ The Prime MinisterMy hon. Friend has an important point here, but I do not think that a Royal Commission would help as so many of the facts are known. The problems between one part of the country and another, and indeed over the country as a whole, are related to money and priorities. We are still operating against the background of the severe cut made on 17th December by the Conservative Chancellor of the Exchequer. Many local authorities to my knowledge—and others will agree from their constituency experience—want to do more in many aspects of health and welfare services and are prevented from doing so by lack of money. I do not think that a Royal Commission would help.
§ Mr. BurdenWill the right hon. Gentleman ask his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services to pay particular attention to the situation of mentally handicapped children and their schooling? In addition—and I am sure 243 that the right hon. Lady will agree—is it not essential to consider the provision of custom-built schools for these children, who at present are inadequately served?
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services notes what the hon. Gentleman said, although it has been the practice under successive Governments for this subject in the main to be dealt with by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science. Many right hon. and hon. Members in all parts of the House, including myself, have taken an interest in the subject of mentally handicapped children both in our constituencies and elsewhere. We all know that the problems are extremely difficult. It is a question of priorities. I agree that purpose-built and equipped schools, and also establishments for those who have just left school, are vitally important in this respect.