§ Lord Balnielasked the Minister of Health (1) how many of the non-domestic staff in local authority mental health hostels have attended special training courses; how many are attending such courses at present; and how many places will be available in courses now under consideration;
(2) what minimum standards of training are laid down for persons taking up non-domestic staff posts in local authority mental health hostels;
(3) what was the number of non-domestic staff in local authority mental health hostels during each of the past three years; and what is the figure at the latest available date;
(4) what steps he is taking to arrange training courses for non-domestic staff for local authority mental health hostels.
§ Mr. BarberThe number employed, in whole-time equivalents, on 31st December was 71 in 1961, 116 in 1962 25W and 227 in 1963. The other figures asked for are not available. No national standards of training are laid down; it is for each local authority to decide what qualifications and experience are appropriate for any appointment. I understand that one special two-week course attended by 18 persons was held by the National Association for Mental Health early this year and that others are under consideration, but I do not know how many places may be provided. A Committee appointed by the National Council of Social Service is at present considering the staffing of all types of residential homes, including the question of training.