HC Deb 17 December 1980 vol 996 cc193-4W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to develop low cost alternative accommodation for mentally handicapped adults at present in hospital.

Sir George Young

In a speech on 10 December to the National Society for Mentally Handicapped Children and Adults, my right hon. Friend made it clear that his policy continues to be to transfer to personal social services care those mentally handicapped people who do not need to be in hospital. Apart from encouraging joint planning between health and local authorities in whom the prime responsibility for providing services locally rests, and increasing joint finance funds, my right hon. Friend will continue to ensure that the professional services of the development team for the mentally handicapped and the Department are available to help authorities make the best use of available resources.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he has and is taking to ascertain the way in which the mentally handicapped have been affected by cuts in public expenditure; and what steps he is taking to protect such people.

Sir George Young

The Government have decided to protect spending on the Health Service and recent returns from local authorities indicate that, although there is some slowing down in the rate of growth in day and residential provision for the mentally handicapped, most local authorities are managing to protect expenditure on personal social services. My right hon. Friend will continue to urge health and local authorities to give priority to this and other vulnerable groups. In addition, we are increasing the joint finance funds from which the mental handicap services derive particular benefit.