§ Baroness Trumpingtonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What proposals they have for the development of services for mental illness in old age, in the light of the recent Health Advisory Service report, The Rising Tide.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Lord Trefgarne)I wrote on 4th January to all chairmen of regional health authorities and chairmen of social services committees commending the Health Advisory Service report, and encouraging the setting up of comprehensive integrated psychiatric services for elderly people with mental illness. An extra £6 million is being made available over the next three years to help with the build-up of "Administration Development Districts", which will spread ideas about the creation of the right sort of services in response to local circumstances and needs. I share the view of the Health Advisory Service that this "is one of the most challenging and rewarding areas of health care".