§ Mr. Sternasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with progress in the co-ordination of services for the mentally handicapped between local authorities and district health authorities in the light of the policy for care in the community; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyWe are encouraged by the knowledge that throughout the country many innovative schemes for community care are being initiated, involving extensive co-operation between local authorities and health authorities. A joint working group on joint planning, comprising officials of the local authority associations, the National Association of Health Authorities and the Department, has now reported and has made many positive proposals for promoting joint planning. The Department has issued for consultation a draft guidance circular drawing upon the working group's report. In scrutinising plans, we look for evidence of consultation and collaboration between authorities at all levels.