§ 97. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the Bristol City Council is endeavouring to carry out its responsibilities under the Mental Health Act, 1959, by treating its mentally ill patients in the community instead of in hospitals, and that as a result the cost is transferred from the hospital boards to the local council; and if he 18W will take steps to provide a specific grant to local authorities for this purpose.
§ Mr. BrainePerformance by local authorities of these statutory functions involves no transfer of burden from central to local funds. The general grant takes full account of the continuing development of local authorities' mental health services.