HC Deb 19 June 1972 vol 839 cc41-2W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how his Department defines the term "cure" in relation to mental illness;

(2) what are the cure rates for mental patients in the last five years.

Sir K. Joseph

I am not aware my Department uses this term. Especially in the absence of agreement on the causation of most mental illness, the term "cure" is not a helpful concept in this field. Response to treatment is better assessed in degrees of recovery—for example, ability to live outside hospital permanently or temporarily with varying amounts of support, to sustain oneself in society, or partial or full remission of the symptoms of the illness.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the proportion of readmissions to mental hospitals.

Sir K. Joseph

In 1971, 64 per cent. of admissions to mental illness hospitals and units in England.