§ Mr. Pendryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will establish a separate mental handicap budget to speed up the growth of community-based mental handicap care; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if, in view of his recommendation that the new district health authorities should ascertain the needs of the mentally handicapped in conjunction with local authorities, he will ensure that the necessary funds will be provided by central Government to meet the level of provision decided on;
(3) whether, in the light of his statement on 29 October, Official Report, column 453, he will ensure that increased provision will be made available out of central funds to enable local authorities to provide accommodation and care for the mentally handicapped in smaller units within the community; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg"Care in Action", published earlier this year, makes it clear that, while constraints on spending will remain tight for the foreseeable future, we expect authorities to include the development of services for mentally handicapped people among their priorities. The consultative document "Care in the Community" issued in July 1981 sought views on a number of suggestions similar to those now put forward by my hon. Friend to speed up the transfer of patients from hospital to community care and comments are still being received. I shall consider these as soon as possible after the closing date for comments—30 November—but I cannot anticipate what decision we shall reach.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to issue guidelines concerning helping mentally handicapped children to leave hospital; and when he expects the scheme to start.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe guidelines and accompanying circular to health and local authorities are being issued on 26 November. The Department will then be ready to consider applications from voluntary organisations for funds for schemes that have been endorsed by health and local authorities.