HC Deb 06 July 1981 vol 8 cc24-6W
Mr. Thomas Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in the light of the recent report from the Greenwich community health council on psychosurgery, there will be an independent inquiry into the efficacy of psychosurgery.

Sir George Young

The Greenwich community health council has not, as far as I am aware, issued any report on psychosurgery, but has sent a letter to my hon. Friend on this subject. This does not propose an independent inquiry and my right hon. Friend has no plans to set one up. We are studying the points raised by the council.

Mr. Thomas Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what figures he has as to the success rate of psychosurgery operations over the last five years.

Sir George Young

Statistics on success rates are not collected centrally for any type of operation.

Mr. Thomas Cox

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will issue guidelines to regional health authorities on the funding of psychosurgery units

Sir George Young

No. It is for health authorities to decide how to use the resources allocated to them in the light of national priorities and local needs.