§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he is satisfied with the progress being made in each of the counties in Wales in developing a community based service for children under 16 years of age currently in mental handicap hospitals; whether he intends to review progress in this field in the light of the All Wales Strategy for mentally handicapped people; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsWe have recently called for reports on progress in developing community based services for children in this category from all county planning teams implementing the all Wales strategy for mentally handicapped people; and we shall consider whether any further guidance is necessary when these are received.
§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy that all statements currently being prepared by health authorities in Wales, consequent to Welsh health circular WHC(85)46, on their plans regarding provision for mentally handicapped people and the future of mental handicap hospitals, will be developed 510W as an integral part of the county social services plans for implementing his all-Wales strategy for mentally handicapped people.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsMy right hon. Friend's policy already encourages local authorities and health authorities to work together in planning to meet the needs of mentally handicapped people. This is reflected not only in the all Wales strategy and the preparation of county plans but also in the requirements for statements under Welsh health circular WHC(85)46.