§ Mr. James Whiteasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement of his policy on mental illness.
§ Mr. William RossSince the passing of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1960 the policy has been one of reducing dependency on large institutions and caring for the mentally ill as far as possible in the community. Psychiatric hospitals will, however, continue to play an important part for many years to come. A programme group on mental disorder has been set up jointly by the Scottish Health Service Planning Council and the Advisory Council on Social Work. This group is considering the whole range of services for the mentally disordered in relation to present and future needs and the resources available. I shall be glad to consider the advice of both councils when the group has completed its report.