HC Deb 23 April 1991 vol 189 cc425-6W
Mr. Sillars

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement of Government policy towards provision for the profoundly mentally handicapped.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

The Government's policy on care for all people with mental handicaps is that where possible they should be enabled to live in the community with appropriate support.

Mr. Sillars

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the statutory obligations of central and local government towards the provision of care for the profoundly mentally handicapped.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

The information is as follows:

Mr. Michael Forsyth

The social work gross expenditure figures for the years 1978–79 to 1988–89 and the percentage of expenditure attributed to child care are set out in the tables below.

Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970
Section (2)1 Duty to provide, where need is established material assistance

Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984
Section 8 Duty to provide after-care
Section 9 Duty to appoint mental health officers
Section 11 Duty to secure training and occupation for persons suffering from mental handicap
Section 39(3) Duty to consider taking people into guardianship

Disabled Persons (Services, Consultation and Representation) Act 1986
Section 8 Duty to consider carer's needs
Section 13 Duty to assess needs of young people leaving special care, for social work services

Mr. Sillars

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what is his estimate of the numbers of profoundly mentally handicapped persons in each region outwith Strathclyde and within each district council area within Strathclyde;

(2) what is his estimate of the numbers of profoundly mentally handicapped aged 16 years and over.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

The information requested is not held centrally.

    c425W
  1. SECRETARY OF STATE'S DUTIES DISCHARGED THROUGH HEALTH BOARDS 27 words
  2. c425W
  3. DUTIES OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES 67 words