§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what assessment he has made of the value to mental handicap services of improvements in co-ordination and co-operation between various agencies involved, rather than a single agency taking lead responsibility; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonSir Roy Griffiths addresses the general issue here, among others, in his report on community care published today. As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State said in his reply to the hon. Member, the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Morris) and the hon. Member for Ynys Môn (Mr. Jones) on 8 March at column171, the Government will be considering Sir Roy's proposals, taking account also of the report of the committee chaired by Lady Wagner, and of reactions to both reports; and will bring forward their own proposals in due course. But clearly it will always be important to develop co-ordination and co-operation between the wide range of agencies involved in the provision of care for mentally handicapped people.