HC Deb 14 February 1946 vol 419 cc514-5
29. Mr. Lipson

asked the Minister of Health how many mental hospitals during the war were diverted to other uses; how many of these are again being used for their original purpose; and how many patients from the others still remain in the overcrowded hospitals to which they were transferred.

Mr. Bevan

Eight of the 101 county and county borough mental hospitals were wholly or mainly diverted to other uses during the war and so were parts of many others. Of the eight, one has been completely released and small parts of two others have been released. I regret that I am unable without special inquiry to state the precise present numbers of patients who remain transferred from the diverted hospitals.

Mr. Lipson

In view of the fact that there is terrible overcrowding and distress, will the Minister see that at least the original hospitals are made available?

Mr. Bevan

I am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman for having called attention to the matter and I am asking for an urgent investigation.