§ Mr. Stan Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what steps have been taken by his Department to pursue the policy recommended in paragraph 5.3.2 of the Trethowan report on the role of clinical psychologists in the National Health Service, regarding the organisation of clinical psychology services;
(2) if, bearing in mind the recommendations of the Trethowan report on the role of psychologists in the National Health Service and the small size of the clinical psychology profession, he will permit the continuance of district departments of clinical psychology.
§ Mr. John PattenThe organisation of clinical psychology services is a matter for individual health authorities. The conclusions and recommendations of paragraph 5.3.2 and a number of other paragraphs of the Trethowan report were commended to health authorities in circular HC(77)14 which was issued in May 1977. The338W district health authority must decide about the development of district-based clinical psychology services, in the light of competing priorities and current resource restraints.
§ Mr. Stan Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if, when determining upon the management of the National Health Service following the suggestions made to him by Mr. Roy Griffiths, he will consider the special issues raised by small National Health Service professions such as clinical psychology; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he intends to manage and co-ordinate clinical psychologists at unit level; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenWe are currently considering all the comments we have received on the Griffiths report. I cannot yet anticipate when we shall be ready to make a statement.
§ Mr. Stan Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he intends to ensure that each district health authority should have in post a clinical psychologist who, in addition to clinical duties, would be responsible for the overall co-ordination and development of clinical psychology services in the district; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenResponsibility for making appointments lies with the health authorities. The relevant Whitley council agreement includes grading definitions which incorporate responsibilities for district services.
§ Mr. Stan Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress is being made in increasing the number of whole-time-equivalent clinical psychologists in district health authorities in England.
§ Mr. John PattenAppointments of clinical psychologists are a matter for the health authorities. In 1973 there were 585 clinical psychologists in post in England and Wales; in 1982 the figure was 1,394.