§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy towards the closure of large mental hospitals over 15 years old.
§ Mr. MoyleThe Government's policy is set out in the White Papers "Better Services for the Mentally Handicapped", (Cmnd 4683) and "Better Services for the Mentally Ill", (Cmnd 6233). Broadly, the aim is to develop a range of local facilities for both mentally ill and mentally handicapped people which will eventually replace the present patterns of services. Hospitals for the mentally handicapped will continue to play a part in the changed pattern of mental handicap services, but hospitals for the mentally ill are in general envisaged as being replaced by the new pattern of mental illness services. The aim is not the rundown or closure of mental hospitals as an end in itself. Nevertheless significant savings resulting from the continuing reduction in the number of patients resident in hospital are only likely to come about with the closure of a whole hospital. The changes involved will take time and will require careful strategic planning in partnership between health and local authorities particularly in regard to satisfactory arrangements during the transitional period. "The Way forward", published this September, represents the latest stage 725W in the continuing dialogue between my Department and field authorities about how the development of local facilities can best be pursued within the resources likely to be available over the next few years.
§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many mental illness hospitals lack the services of a psychologist; how many lack the services of a qualified physiotherapist; and how many of the psychiatric nurses in such hospitals are fully qualified?
§ Mr. MoyleThe information requested is not immediately available, but I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.