§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he has received the 1984 report of the all Wales advisory panel for the development of services for mentally handicapped people.
§ 897 Mr. Wyn RobertsYes. The report emphasises that one of the most significant contributions of the strategy is that the amount of discussion and commitment to the rights of mentally handicapped people has risen to an unprecedented level throughout Wales. The report highlights many of the central concerns raised by the strategy, but in particular stresses the importance of people at all levels and from all agencies being able to plan, train and work together with mentally handicapped people and their representatives. I fully endorse that view and believe it is only in this manner that appropriate services will be provided to enable mentally handicapped people to live normal lives in their own communities. The report is to be widely distributed and I hope that all those involved in the mental handicap strategy throughout Wales will read it and take due note of the panel's advice on the priorities for the coming year.