§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will set up mental health groups in each area health authority with a view to improving the arrangements for further involving primary medical care in the care of the mentally ill in the community.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeSince April 1982 it has been for district health authorities, in conjunction with local authorities and voluntary organisations, to decide how best to provide the wide range of services required to meet the needs of mentally ill people in their community. We regard the contribution of the medical and other members of the primary care team as an important element of a comprehensive service, and we rely on joint care planning teams and comparable bodies to draw them in to the coherent strategy needed.