LEARNING DISABILITIES IN CORNWALL

That this House notes the 2006 joint Commission for Social Care Inspection and Healthcare Commission investigation into the abuse of people with a learning disability in Cornwall, and the pledge given by the Secretary of State for Health that alternative community-based housing would be made available for the residents of Budock Hospital before the end of December 2006; welcomes the news that this pledge has now been fulfilled through the work of Golden Lane Housing, part of the Mencap group of charities, in partnership with Cornwall Social Services, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Primary Care Trust and NHS South West, who have purchased accommodation across Cornwall for 14 former residents of the hospital to live independently with the support they need; supports Golden Lane Housing's philosophy of allowing residents choice, opportunity, respect and empowerment in finding housing that meets their needs; and hopes that these individuals, and all people with learning disabilities who were abused while in the care of Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust, will now be able to live full and equal lives.