§ 54. Dr. D. Johnsonasked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking towards the implementation of Section 28 (1) of the National Health Service Act, 1946, in relation to mental illness; and if he will send a circular to local authorities advising them to make appropriate arrangements, not only for pre-care and aftercare, but also for an emergency medical psychiatric service, so that a larger number of mentally-ill people can be cared for under home conditions and without the necessity of hospitalisation.
§ Mr. TurtonLocal health authorities already provide services for the care and after-care of the mentally ill, including provision for appropriate treatment at home in co-operation with the general practitioner and hospital out-patient services. Arrangements are made for domiciliary visits by psychiatrists if called in by the general practitioner. I do not consider that there is at present a need for a circular.