HC Deb 12 March 1979 vol 964 cc49-50W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the names of the 44 local authorities which have no direct residential provision for mentally handicapped children.

Mr. Moyle

The 44 local authorities which did not provide residential accommodation are indicated in table 1 of"Homes and hostels for the mentally ill and mentally handicapped at March 1977—England"(A/F77/11), a copy of which is available in the Library. Some of the authorities listed use residential accommodation in the voluntary and private sectors and places maintained by other local authorities. In addition, some will directly provide places for mentally handicapped children either in residential homes not specifically designated as being for the mentally handicapped or in placements with substitute families.

Since March 1977 four of the 44 authorities—Barnsley metropolitan district, Solihull metropolitan district, the Isle of Wight and Nottinghamshire—are known to have begun providing direct accommodation for children who are mentally handicapped.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many hospitals for the mentally handicapped in the North-West were below minimum standards; and what steps he is taking to rectify the situation.

Mr. Moyle

I will let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services by how much the proportion of finance in the North-West region for the mentally handicapped has declined between 1974 and 1978; how much expenditure in the region during that period compared with the Department of Health and Social Security guidelines; and if he is satisfied with the situation.

Mr. Moyle

Revenue expenditure on mental handicap hospitals in the North-western health region in 1974–75 was £9.687 million, or 6.1 per cent. of total hospital revenue expenditure in the region. The comparable figures for 1977–78 were £15.543 million and 5.8 per cent. respectively. Nationally, the proportion of expenditure on mental handicap hospitals in 1977–78 is estimated at 6.4 per cent. The Department's March 1978 planning guidelines give an illustrative projection for 1981–82 of 6.6 per cent. which assumes a continued fall in the number of beds and increased expenditure on each bed occupied.

I am not satisfied with the present situation in the North-Western region and my Department has asked the regional health authority to increase the emphasis given to developing local services for mentally handicapped people.