HL Deb 15 October 1996 vol 574 cc180-1WA
Lord Pearson of Rannoch

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are aware of the reasons which led Dr. Lorna Wing to withhold her support from the Department of Health's recent evaluation of village communities for the mentally handicapped, and, if so, whether they consider that she was justified in so doing.

Baroness Cumberlege

Ministers are aware that Dr. Lorna Wing has expressed reservations about the research. These relate primarily to the "gaps" in currently available research identified by the first phase of the evaluation. Dr. Wing's views, along with other comments received, will help to inform the second phase of the evaluation.

Lord Pearson of Rannoch

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to recent evaluation by the Department of Health of village communities for mentally handicapped people, whether they will now encourage local authorities and services to support and develop such communities when requested to do so by the families of the people concerned.

Baroness Cumberlege

The then Parliamentary Secretary (Mr. Bowis) wrote in July to Directors of Social Services and Chief Executives of district health authorities in England enclosing copies of the evaluation reports and asking them to use the information they contain to determine the pattern of services in their area. He expressed the view that the reports should inform discussions between health and social care commissioners, individuals with learning disabilities, their carers, and families. I share those views. Copies of his letter have been placed in the Library.