§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to increase the mental illness specific grant for 1999–2000 and subsequent years; and if he will make a statement. [52503]
§ Mr. DewarThe Mental Illness Specific Grant (MISG) will continue to provide ring-fenced resources totalling £18 million a year towards community-based mental health projects in Scotland.
In addition to the MISG, the Mental Health Development Fund is providing £9 million over 3 years up to 2000–2001 to assist local agencies to work together to provide integrated support for people with mental
292Whealth problems, in line with the principles set out in the Framework for Mental Health Services in Scotland. Following the Comprehensive Spending Review, the non-ring-fenced Grant Aided Expenditure allowances to local authorities for their social work responsibilities, including for mental health services, will increase by £279 million over the next 3 years. Over £90 million is also transferred each year from Health Boards to local authorities to reflect the shift from psychiatric and other NHS hospital care to care in the community.