§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what action he is taking with regard to the reports from the national development team for the mentally handicapped on mental hospitals in Surrey;
(2) what consideration he has given to the statement by the chairman of the north-west Surrey health authority on 16 February about the action now called for from his Department with regard to the report on Botleys Park hospital and Murray house; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossiThe development team for the mentally handicapped reviewed mental handicap facilities in Surrey in 1982 and made a full report to the health and local authorities concerned which are responsible for taking action on the team's recommendations.
With regard to conditions at Botleys Park hospital, Chertsey, and its associated hostel Murray House, the north-west Surrey health authority is responsibly following up the development team's recommendations with a programme of action. I understand the right hon. Member has now had an opportunity to visit Botleys Park and to discuss the detailed plans the health authority has for improving services for the mentally handicapped.
As far as the general strategy for mental handicap services in Surrey is concerned, the Department has had discussions with Dr. Simon, the director of the development team and with the south-west Thames regional health authority, which is responsible for resource allocation within the region. I should be happy to meet representatives of the north-west Surrey health authority to discuss what further action may need to be taken in the light of the development team's report.