§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what international co-operative projects exist in the field of schizophrenia research;
(2) what research is being undertaken by or being financed by her Department into the causes of and possible cures for schizophrenia; what projects exist for rehabilitation and training of people suffering from schizophrenia; what crisis centres with 24-hour support her Department finances; what planned allowances of beds in hospitals is made for those with recurring mental illness; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. YeoThe Department is not involved in international projects or financing research. The main agency through which the Government support biomedical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council, which receives its grant-in-aid from the office of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
Health authorities, working with local authorities and the independent sector, should provide a comprehensive range of local services for mentally ill people, including in-patient beds and crisis intervention accommodation. The provision of rehabilitation and training for the long-term mentally ill is also part of the comprehensive district service. The level of provision is a matter for local management to determine, taking into account local priorities and available resources.