HC Deb 03 April 1979 vol 965 cc695-6W
Mr. Litterick

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many places are now available in Birmingham in supervised accommodation for the mentally handicapped; and what was the number in 1974.

Mr. Moyle,

pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 29 March 1979; Vol. 965, c. 339], gave the following answer:

The provision of staffed beds for the mentally handicapped in the Birmingham area health authority was:

31.12.74 931
31.12.78 785

Local authority provision in staffed homes and hostels:

31.3.74 74
31.3.78 197

The shift in emphasis from hospital to local authority provision is in line with the policy set out in the 1971 White Paper "Better Services for the Mentally Handicapped" Cmnd. 4683.