§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of the £50 million bridging fund to improve community care for people with mental illness or mental handicap has so far been claimed on behalf of mental handicap services and mental illness services, respectively.
§ Mr. DorrellThe capital loan fund provides for £10 million to be allocated in England this year with a further £15 million and £25 million respectively in the following two years; thus establishing a £50 million rolling programme. A substantial number of applications for funds has been made and are now being assessed with priority being given to mental health projects which develop care in the community facilities, without distinction between mental handicap and mental illness. The intention is to announce successful applications which will cover the first year's allocation by the end of the month.