§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that there will be sufficient numbers of approved social workers to operate under the Mental Health Act 1983 by 28 October; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenWhether sufficient social workers will be approved in all areas under section 114 of the Act by 28 October next will depend on developments over the next few months. A working group including employing authorities, trades unions and the Department is now considering some aspects of training, assessment of approval arrangements under the Act, and will report back at the beginning of May. Further action will be considered in the light of the group's progress.
§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that district health authorities and local authorities are making proper provision in order to meet their duties under section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenWhile I am aware that there are still problems with the provision of after-care services for people who have suffered from a mental illness, despite the progress that has been made, I am not aware of any specific problems relating to section 117, ie after-care for certain people discharged from detention under the Act. If my hon. Friend will write to me with details of such problems I shall gladly look into them.
§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the speed with which mental health review tribunal hearings considering section 3 applications under the Mental Health Act 1983 are taking place.
§ Mr. John PattenI shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.