HC Deb 22 January 1979 vol 961 cc57-8W
Mr. Moonman

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many day care places are available for mentally ill adults at the most recent date available; and whether he is satisfied with the progress towards the targets laid down in "Better Services for the Mentally Ill" and "Priorities for Health and Social Services in England".

Mr. Moyle

At 31 December 1977, there were about 11,700 places for mentally ill adults in NHS day hospitals. At 31 March 1978, there were about 5,600 day centre places for mentally ill adults provided by, or made available to, local authorities. The figure of 5,600 excludes centres in which places are not allocated to particular client groups.

The level of provision continues to improve, but the rate of growth, in local authority provision especially, is unsatisfactory. I have continued to urge authorities to give priority to day care for the mentally ill and I am considering what further I can do to encourage progress.