§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the policy of the Department on the closure of centres for specialist training of handicapped people; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleAs part of our overall policy for services for the mentally handicapped as set out in the White Paper 395W "Better Services for the Mentally Handicapped" and reaffirmed in the priorities documents, there is need for a continuing increase in the number of places provided in adult training centres. In some cases the development of new and improved facilities may entail the closure of existing centres. In all cases, the decision to close a centre is one for the local authority concerned. If my hon. Friend has a particular case in mind, perhaps he will write to me.