HC Deb 03 June 1986 vol 98 cc727-8
16. Mr. Greenway

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he proposes to establish the procedures provided for in the Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Bill for assessment to be made before people are released into the community from psychiatric institutions; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Newton

I cannot say. As my hon. Friend will be aware, parliamentary consideration of the Bill is not yet completed.

Mr. Greenway

Is my hon. Friend aware that, sadly, psychiatrically sick people have been released into the community without assessment who are incapable of living adequately, who break up their beds, and who terrorise their neighbours? Is it not wrong for people to be released into the community unless they are assessed as having the proper capability to live adequately in the community, often in built-up areas?

Mr. Newton

I understand my hon. Friend's anxieties, and that is why we have been anxious to co-operate with the hon. Member for Monklands, West (Mr. Clarke) over the Bill.

Mr. Tom Clarke

Is the Minister aware that the clause dealing with proper arrangements for hospital discharge was given an enthusiastic reception by' those who responded to the Government's document? Will he accept that that clause will lack real meaning unless it embraces joint assessments as between hospital managers and social services departments?

Mr. Newton

As the hon. Gentleman is obviously aware, there is some uncertainty about the precise meaning of the clause, and further discussion of that matter is going on at the moment.