HC Deb 03 April 1979 vol 965 cc1153-4
10. Mr. Edwin Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the numbers of the mental handicap residential care staff for the years 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979, respectively, and if he will make a statement on his plans to increase the staff as recommended by the Jay committee's report.

Mr. Moyle

The number of residential care staff in England was 25,000 in 1976 and, provisionally, 26,500 in 1977, continuing the process of steady increase recorded in earlier years. Figures for 1978 and 1979 are not available. Consultations on the Jay report must be completed before decisions are made. However, it is already Government policy to increase staff numbers as resources permit.

Mr. Wainwright

Does my right hon. Friend realise that, in addition to the 60,000 places in homes for the mentally handicapped, there are many more children whose parents are dedicated to looking after them under difficult circumstances? Those parents fear that when they pass on or the child becomes too unruly there will be no places for those children. What guarantee can be provided for those parents that their children will be looked after when they are no longer capable of doing so?

Mr. Moyle

It is our intention to increase expenditure on health and personal social services for the mentally handicapped by 9 per cent. a year. We intend to secure a network of social service care against the eventualities that concern my hon. Friend.

Mr. Pavitt

In considering his course of action following the Jay committee's report, will my right hon. Friend take special notice of articles by the nurses in both the Nursing Mirror and the Nursing Times in connection with the impact that the report will have upon the nursing profession?

Mr. Moyle

That will be one of our major considerations in the consultations following the publication of the Jay report. The representations made by the nursing professions and the unions will be taken into account.