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National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Health and Health Services and Social Welfare) Order 2010

My Lords, I add the support of those on the Liberal Democrat Benches for the order. As we have already been told, the Assembly Government published their strategy for mental health services in 2001. This set the standards for mental health services in Wales, and sought to ensure that the whole of Wales benefited from a high standard of mental health services. This legislative competence order aims to provide the best assessment and treatment for those who for one reason or another are encountering mental health problems. We know that the important question of advocacy is also part of this order, as is the extension of social care services so that mental health is included. It seeks to make up for the deficiencies of the Mental Health Act 1983. At a time of added stress because of job losses, house repossessions and a general feeling of helplessness, it is vital to provide the widest possible care. In parts of Wales we have more than our fair share of the problems that other parts of the UK are seeing. I know that in the valleys of south Wales, Merthyr Tydfil and so on, there is a constant battle to secure jobs and homes. Such things lead to tremendous stress and instability. For instance, it is reported that unemployment doubles the risk of psychological problems, and it is forecast that 1.5 million more people in the UK will have mental health problems by 2011. One of the largest charities dealing with anxiety disorders, Anxiety UK, has seen the doubling of calls to its helpline because of the economic downturn. If the legislative competence order helps to give extra muscle to mental health provision in Wales it will be worth while. The order also covers a grey area in health provision. As general health services have devolved in Wales the question of mental health services still has to be satisfactorily resolved. There is more to be done, but we on these Benches welcome the order as a step in the right direction.