Mental Health Week

Oral Answers to Questions — Ministry of Health – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 9 May 1966.

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Photo of Mr Peter Mills Mr Peter Mills , Torrington 12:00, 9 May 1966

asked the Minister of Health how much support is being given by Her Majesty's Government to Mental Health Week; and if he will make a statement.

Photo of Mr Kenneth Robinson Mr Kenneth Robinson , St Pancras North

Mental Health Weeks for 1966, 1967, and 1968 are being planned by a group of voluntary associations. It is not normal practice for the Government to sponsor such weeks, but with my encouragement the organisers are seeking the co-operation locally of hospitals and local authorities.

Photo of Mr Peter Mills Mr Peter Mills , Torrington

Would not the Minister agree that every effort should be made to help people back to normal health and to be accepted by the community, in view of the shortage of labour in this country? Would he not agree that the Chancellor's statement on his "poll tax" is not helping these voluntary associations one bit?

Photo of Mr Kenneth Robinson Mr Kenneth Robinson , St Pancras North

The latter point is hardly one for me, but the fact that I do not officially sponsor these weeks does not, of course, mean that I am not fully in sympathy with their objectives.