§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services on what date his Department received the letter dated 18 April 1986 sent by the special interest group on mental handicap of the British Association of Social Workers, concerning the need to get mentally handicapped children out of long-stay hospitals; on what date his Department replied; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe letter of 18 April to which the hon. Member refers was received in the Department on 25 April, and was in reply to a letter of 17 February 1986 from my noble Friend to regional health authority chairmen and others concerned with mentally handicapped children. I am sorry that a reply was not sent to the special interest group.
As I indicated in my reply to the right hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, South (Mr. Ashley) on 4 November 1986 at columns 402–403, we have asked health authorities to ensure that by the end of 1988 more suitable alternatives are available so that no mentally handicapped child receiving long-term care is required to live in a large mental handicap hospital. All the replies received to my noble Friend's letter of 17 February have been taken into account in deciding what further action is necessary and my noble Friend will soon be meeting representatives of organisations concerned with provision for mentally handicapped children. A copy of the information paper for the meeting will be placed in the Library and sent to all those concerned. I would also draw the hon. Member's attention to "The Law on Child Care and Family Services" (CM. 62) presented to Parliament by my right hon. Friend earlier this month, which discusses the local authority responsibilities for caring for children living away from home, including those in National Health Service establishments.