HC Deb 18 April 1995 vol 258 cc110-1W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when the Audit Commission's concerns about district health authorities having the resources to meet their own unique mental health needs are going to be met; [19046]

(2) how she will apportion funds for the health and social care of the mentally ill, as recommended by the Audit Commission. [19049]

Mr. Bowis

The national weighted capitation formula used to allocate hospital and community health service funds to regional health authorities has recently been revised and modified to include a separate index of factors which affect the need for psychiatric services.

The greater part of funding for personal social services is allocated to local authorities on the basis of standard spending assessments which indicate the Governments view of the need for particular services in individual local authorities, which then decide how to spend these resources in the light of their individual assessments of local needs and priorities.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of steps taken in reducing the socio-economic problems for those who are mentally ill in Wales; and what plans she has to implement this policy in England. [19045]

Mr. Bowis

The policy for both England and Wales is to provide a range of care appropriate to the needs of the individual. Our guidance for England is set out in the Mental Illness Key Area Handbook, copies of which are available in the Library.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has for those people suffering from less severe forms of mental illness receiving help in a primary care setting. [19047]

Mr. Bowis

In many cases, such illnesses can be dealt with in a primary care setting by a suitably qualified member of the team. We have initiated a programme of action to improve the understanding of mental health issues among primary care staff.