§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Secretary of State for Social Servcies what development of services for the mentally handicapped is proposed in 1981–82 in the Rochdale area; and why it has been necessary for the Rochdale health authority to freeze the developments for the care of the mentally handicapped at Rochdale children's hospital.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergI understand that the health authority has decided, in the light of its financial circumstances, to postpone the final phase (nine places) of a 21-place day unit for the mentally handicapped at Rochdale children's hospital. However, 12 places are still planned to open in March 1982, and I am assured that the health authority continues 10 regard this development as a high priority which will be funded at the earliest possible opportunity.
Planning the development of services for the mentally handicapped is the responsibility of individual health authorities, and the hon. Member may like to write to the chairman of Rochdale area health authority for details of their plans for 1981–82.