§ Dr. John A. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action she proposes to take in the light of the meeting held last September between officials of the Department and representatives of certain organisations involved with practice of psychotherapy.
§ Mrs. CastleI have informed the organisations that I consider that a great deal of further work would be required to develop their proposals for statutory indicative registration of psychotherapists into a workable scheme, and that I remain unconvinced that the benefits from such a system would justify Government legislation. I have suggested, however, that the professional organisations concerned might consider establishing their own working group to prepare more detailed proposals, and have indicated that I shall be arranging for a separate review of the long-term priorities for the development of psychotherapy within the National Health Service having regard to other mental health priorities and the resources likely to be available.