§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he is satisfied with progress by regional health authorities in providing secure psychiatric units;
(2) by what means he is monitoring the use to which regional health authorities are putting the special revenue allocation for secure psychiatric units, and the capital allocation; and if he is satisfied that the system is effective;
(3) when he expects to have the final information on the use of the special revenue allocation for secure psychiatric units made to regional health authorities in 1977–78; and if he will then publish it in the Official Report;
(4) if he will state, in each case, when the secure psychiatric units for which regional health authorities have received a capital allocation will be in use and the current stage of progress of the units;
(5) how many secure psychiatric units are now in operation.
§ Mr. MoyleI would refer by hon. Friend to my replies to my hon. Friend the Member for Basildon (Mr. Moonman) on 13th June—[Vol. 951, c.428–9]—and the hon. and learned Member for Montgomery (Mr. Hooson) and the hon. Member for Worcestershire, South (Mr. Spicer) on 4th July—[Vol. 951, c. 431].
A report from the health authorities on how their revenue allocations were spent in 1977–78 is currently being sought. I hope to have the information by early August and I shall then write to my hon. Friend.
The arrangements for monitoring the use of these funds are satisfactory but authorities are finding difficulties in the establishment of secure units. Last year my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services set up a special working group comprising representatives from the TUC, the Royal Colleges of Nursing and Psychiatry, regional health authorities and the Department in an effort to help authorities overcome local 620W difficulties. He is also currently having discussions with regional health authority chairmen so that he can consider whether there is any further action lie can usefully take to assist authorities.