§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what study' his Department has made of innovative day care arrangements for mentally handicapped people in rural areas, such as a mobile adult training centre; of how many such arrangements he is aware; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenThe Department has funded the evaluation of a mobile adult training centre (a converted380W bus) serving two villages in north Yorkshire. The cost of the service was met by' the Joseph Rowntree Memorial Trust. The evaluation has been published* and North Yorkshire social services department has decided to continue the service, for a further three years in the first instance. In addition, the Department is aware of a number of innovative agricultural or horticultural projects for mentally handicapped people and has grant-aided voluntary organisations providing relevant guidance.
* The Rural ATC £3.50 (post free) from the Joint Unit for Social Services Research, The University, Sheffield S 10 2TN.