§ Ms SouthworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many health authorities with a database detailing information on those people within their area who have learning disabilities make aggregated data available to his Department for planning and evaluation purposes; and how many of them hold that database jointly with their social services department; [44350]
(2) how many health authorities hold a database detailing information on those people within their area who have learning disabilities; and how many of them are structured to provide information on incidence of different types of learning disability; [44349]
(3) how many health authorities hold a database detailing information on those people who have autism within their local area; how many such databases are held jointly with the local social services department; and how many such health authorities make aggregate data available to his Department for planning and evaluation purposes. [44351]
§ Mr. BoatengThe information requested is not held centrally. However, analysis of population needs, and the prevalence and incidence of different types of disability, are important aspects of the commissioning functions of local authorities and health authorities. In "Signposts for Success in Commissioning and Providing Health Services for People with Learning Disabilities", published by the Department in January this year and distributed to health and local authorities, commissioners are advised to have arrangements in place to use both local and national information to build up a picture of the health needs of people with learning disabilities and people with autism in their locality. We also encourage health authorities to work together closely with local authorities in profiling both the volume, and needs, of people with learning disabilities and people with autism.