§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many social workers there were in England and Wales in each financial year since 1981–82; and how many of these were employed wholly or mainly in caring for the severely mentally ill in the community.
§ Mr. YeoData on the number of whole-time equivalent social services staff in local authorities in England at September in each year from 1978 are given in "Local Authority Social Services Statistics: staff of Local Authority Social Services Departments at 30 September 1991; England", a copy of which is available in the Library.
§ Mr. SoleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to preserve the service available at Henderson hospital, Sutton, Surrey, for personality-disordered clients; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. YeoFrom 1 April 1993 the Henderson hospital will become part of South West Thames regional psychiatry service. This will ensure funding for the hospital to maintain and develop its services for those patients with special psychiatric needs.
§ Mr. SoleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will create a special hospitals authority to cover Henderson hospital, Sutton, Surrey.
§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list the names of hospitals for the mentally ill in England, by districts, which were closed in each of the financial years 1981–82 to 1991–92, and the numbers of beds in those hospitals five years previously;
(2) what amount of money was made available for other purposes in each of the financial years 1981–82 to 1991–92 as a result of the closure of mental hospitals.
§ Mr. SackvilleThis information is not held centrally.
§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health which relevant local bodies, besides community health councils, health authorities are required to consult before recommending her to authorise the closure of hospitals for the mentally ill.
§ Mr. YeoMost substantial changes in hospital services—such as the opening or closing of facilities—are agreed locally and only where there is no local agreement are they 419W referred to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. Health authorities are encouraged to consult widely in the community, including with community health councils.
§ Mr. SoleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will ring fence departmental funding for Henderson hospital, Sutton, Surrey.
§ Mr. YeoThis is a matter for South West Thames regional health authority.
The hon. Member may wish to contact Professor Marian Hicks, the chairman of South West Thames regional health authority, for details.