HC Deb 28 March 2000 vol 347 cc208-9
6. Dr. Ian Gibson (Norwich, North)

What studies he has undertaken of the incidence of racism in mental health services. [115153]

The Minister of State, Department of Health (Mr. John Hutton)

Last year, the Department of Health and the Royal College of Psychiatrists jointly produced a detailed study into ethnicity and mental health. It recognised the problems of racism and set out practical solutions to problems identified in clinical practice. These have been reflected in the national service framework for mental health as we have sought to address specific needs of black and ethnic minority mental health service users.

Dr. Gibson

I congratulate my hon. Friend. At last, a Government are taking mental health services seriously after years of neglect, and are resourcing those services. Is my hon. Friend aware of the MIND charity report that contains evidence that mental health services discriminate against black and minority ethnic communities? Is he aware that a constituent of my hon. Friend the Member for Peterborough (Mrs. Brinton) died under restraint procedures in a hospital in my constituency, and that an inquest is still awaited a year and a half later?

Mr. Hutton

My hon. Friend makes two points. First, we recognise the need to improve mental health services. That is why they are one of my Department's major priorities. We are introducing significant new reforms to mental health services, backed by significant new resources. Many people from black minority populations feel that they do not receive a fair deal from mental health services. Many parts of the national service framework try to address their concerns, including those on primary and non-institutional care, and that will benefit patients from black minority ethnic backgrounds.

Secondly, on David Bennett, we should all wish to express our regret about his death to his family. My hon. Friend will be aware that that death remains the subject of a police inquiry, and the coroner's inquest will not be held until the inquiry has been completed. Under those circumstances, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on that tragic incident.

Mr. John Bercow (Buckingham)

Has the Minister discussed his concern about racism in the provision of mental health services with the Home Secretary in the context of the recent Second Reading of the Race Relations (Amendment) Bill?

Mr. Hutton

Yes, these matters are discussed across government. We must address that serious issue. There is a temptation among some Opposition Members—the hon. Gentleman may not have fallen into the trap—to pretend that there is no issue relating to black people's access to mental health services. We are determined to address problems, and we are doing so seriously. I hope the hon. Gentleman will be able to support us.