HC Deb 01 November 1993 vol 231 cc63-4W
Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to ensure that all NHS learning disabilities trusts comply with the requirements of the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 in enabling residents of mental handicap hospitals to have their housing, health and social care needs met by community-based agencies.

Mr. Bowis

Guidance issued to health and local authorities in 1992, HSG(92)42 and LAC(92)15, stated clearly that health authorities should work with local social services departments to plan the transfer of residents from the old long-stay mental handicap hospitals to community-based facilities as quickly as feasible. The pace of transfer will depend on local circumstances and resources.