§ 25. Colonel DAYasked the. Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the charge of attempted murder against Reginald Farndale, aged 11 years, at Chester; and, in view of the fact that this lad was certified as a mental defective three years ago, will he state what action has been taken with a view to providing accommodation for such cases?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINMy attention has been drawn to this case and I am informed that accommodation has been found for the lad in an institution in Gloucestershire. Unfortunately, there is at present a shortage of accommodation for mental defectives throughout the country; and local authorities are being urged to make further provision. The local authorities in the County of Cheshire are now considering a proposal to provide a joint institution to serve the whole county.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think it a deplorable state of affairs that a mental defective should have to attempt the crime of murder before he can be put into one of these homes?
§ Colonel DAYIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Chief Constable said that the doctors in Chester had been trying for three years to get this lad into a home, but on account of lack of accommodation they could not do so and that he committed this crime before he could be put into a home?