§ Mr. Litherlandasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if Her Majesty's Government will take steps to ensure that the spirit of the circular "Care in the Community" is implemented in view of the slow progress being made in many areas.
§ Mr. John PattenThe "Care in the Community" circular (HC(83)6) was issued in March 1983. We have received 110 proposals for inclusion in our programme of pilot projects. This shows considerable commitment by health and local authorities to the development of projects to transfer people who do not need hospital care to more appropriate care in the community. We hope to announce shortly the projects selected for starting in 1984. It takes time to develop practical, cost-effective, joint projects and I am encouraged by the progress made so far.
§ Mr. Litherlandasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what applications there have been for funding under the "Care in the Community" initiative to bring mentally-handicapped and mentally-ill people out of institutions and back into the community in Manchester.
§ Mr. John PattenNo applications have been received for central funding under the "Care in the Community" programme of pilot projects from the three health districts in the city of Manchester. Six applications relating to proposals for mentally handicapped and mentally ill people have been received from the Greater Manchester area.