HC Deb 18 July 1990 vol 176 c608W
Mr. Dunnachie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to increase facilities for the profoundly mentally handicapped in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lang

The provision of facilities for the care and support of mentally handicapped people in the community is the responsibility of local authorities. Since 1980 the total number of day centre places has increased from 5,096 to 7,242 (provisional) and the number of residential places from 1,093 to 1878 (provisional). Separate figures on the limited amount of provision made specifically for persons who are profoundly handicapped are not available centrally.

It is for local authorities to seek to expand provision as necessary in this and other areas of their responsibilities in accordance with the resources available to them. The proposals in the White Paper "Caring for People" indicate the need to work for an increasing proportion of facilities and other services in the community.

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