asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will make a statement on the release of mental health patients back into the community.

Although it is primarily for the responsible consultant to determine when a particular patient is ready to leave hospital, good practice requires, in my view, that before any patient is discharged the consultant should satisfy himself that there are adequate support facilities outside the hospital. This implies collaboration with the appropriate local authority social service department, so that where necessary a joint plan for care and after-care can be made. In any case, where such care is needed, the social service departments should be informed, with the patient's agreement, when a discharge from hospital is being planned.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will inquire into the circumstances in which 5,000 mentally ill and handicapped people have been released from mental hospitals in the Birmingham area without adequate provision for after-care.

The West Midlands Regional Health Authority and the local authorities concerned have been asked for their comments on recent Press articles, particularly for information about arrangements for the discharge of mentally ill and mentally handicapped patients from hospital. I will write to my hon. Friend when I have considered their replies.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she will make a statement on community provision for patients discharged from mental hospitals.

A wide range of provision, including residential accommodation, day and social work support is needed, involving both health and local authority initiative. Details of the Government's strategy for the development of these services were given in the White Papers "Better Services for the Mentally Handicapped" (Cmnd. 4683) and "Better Services for the Mentally Ill" (Cmnd. 6233). This is being pursued with as much priority as can be given in the present economic situation.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services on what basis patients are selected for release from mental hospitals in the West Midlands.

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to his earlier Question today.

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many after-