§ Mr. Russell Kerrasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress has been made with arrangements for the registration of voluntary and private accommodation for the care and aftercare of the mentally ill and mentally handicapped; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Dr. OwenRegistration of accommodation for the mentally disordered is being considered as part of the more general question of the arrangements required for the supervision and control of accommodation for all categories of client groups in need of protection of some kind. This matter is being considered by my Department and the Personal Social Services Council and I am awaiting their conclusions before considering whether any legislative changes are necessary.
§ Mrs. Wiseasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what restrictions or regulations there are in connection with the private ownership and management of hostels for mentally handicapped people; and if he is satisfied that they are sufficient to prevent abuse.
§ Dr. OwenUnder Section 19 of the Mental Health Act 1959 the provisions of Sections 37–40 of the National Assistance Act 1948 in relation to the registration, inspection and conduct of homes for the disabled and elderly also apply to residential homes for the mentally disordered. The registration authority must ensure compliance with SI 1962 No. 2000 which requires the provision of accommodation and staff of a satisfactory standard.
The question of improvements in the existing arrangements and the possibility of legislative changes needs to be considered as part of the more general question of the arrangements for the supervision and control of accommodation for all categories of client groups in need of protection of some kind. This matter is being considered within my Department 509W and by the Personal Social Services Council.