§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to investigate the purchase by Bolton area health authority of a house for use as a home for mentally handicapped children, including the purchase price paid and the estimate for adaptation; if he will report his findings to the House; and if he will take steps to prevent further financial commitment by the authority until he has reported his findings to the House.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI understand that Bolton area health authority has purchased a house in Bolton for the sum of £50,000 which it proposes, in accordance with national policy, to convert into a domestic-scale unit for the care of mentally handicapped children. I understand that at a recent meeting the area health authority agreed to proceed with necessary adaptations to the house at a cost of approximately £18,500.
The development of services for mentally handicapped children is the responsibility of individual health authorities and the hon. Member may like to take up any matters of concern to him with the chairman of Bolton area health authority.
§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has received any representations about the purchase by Bolton area health authority of a house for use as a home for mentally handicapped children and about the estimated cost of adapting the house; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI have not received any such representations, and refer the hon. Member to my other reply on this subject today.