asked the Minister for Health the further progress that has been made since his Department arranged the seminar on mental handicap last January.

One of the main points emerging from the discussion during the seminar was the need to establish in many areas a service to counsel and support the parents of young mentally handicapped children living at home. Following the seminar I set aside some of the financial resources of my Department for that purpose and requested the health boards to let me have proposals for suitable schemes following consultation with local mental handicap interests. I have conveyed approval to proposals submitted by four health boards and I expect to receive proposals from the remaining boards shortly: these will receive immediate attention in my Department.

The other main topic touched on during the seminar was the shortage of residential places for the adult mentally handicapped. I have already made considerable provision for such places in this year's capital programme—750 residential and 250 day places—and I am considering at present what further projects can be provided for in the 1979 programme.

During the seminar views were expressed on a number of other facets of the mental handicap services—for example, the development of group homes and hostels and the relationship between the statutory and voluntary agencies. These are being borne in mind in the planning of the services.

In view of the invaluable nature of the seminars in question and the constant prospect of review of the programme, would the Minister consider arranging a further seminar next year at which the progress now being made could be reviewed? Many health board members have assured me that it provides them with a valuable opportunity of conveying their views to the Department and to the Minister.

That is a very constructive suggestion. We will keep it in mind. It might not be at the start of next year because we are awaiting another report.

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