§ Sir Alastair GoodladTo ask the Secretary of State for Health which health regions plan to increase the number of mental health beds; and by how many. [73225]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Mental Health Modernisation Fund will be used to increase the number of mental health beds in all eight health regions. £19 million has already been allocated to health authorities, part of which is being used to increase the number of 24 hour staffed beds. In addition health authorities have just been invited to apply for additional resources for secure beds. Details are set out in circular Health Service Circular/Local Authority Circular 1999–038, copies of which are available in the Library.
It is not yet possible to provide a regional breakdown.