§ Mr. Delwyn Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he has received a report from the review group on mental illness services in Dyfed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsI received the first report of the review group earlier this month. I have placed a copy of the report in the Library together with, on this occasion, a copy of my reply. The report has been sent to East Dyfed and Pembrokeshire health authorities and to Dyfed county council.
The review group's first report describes its proposed methods of operation, its first visit to St. David's hospital, Carmarthen and its programme of work early next year. I am pleased that the review group has begun its work in earnest with discussions in Carmarthen with those responsible for the care of mentally ill people in Dyfed. I look forward to the review group's next, substantive report on the progress made by the responsible statutory authorities in the development of mental illness health and social work services in the county. In the meantime, I understand that the East Dyfed health authority is shortly to appoint the management consultants whose task will be to improve management structures and attitudes in the mental illness services in Dyfed.