HC Deb 12 February 1948 vol 447 c563
32. Mr. Lang

asked the Minister of Health why Delia Travis, aged 10 years, of Stalybridge, is confined in a ward at Darnton House, Ashton-under-Lyne, in which she is the only child and most of the patients are very old women.

Mr. Bevan

Delia Travis is one of four girls detained in this female mental ward because of the grave shortage of accommodation for mental defectives. They will be removed to mental deficiency colonies as soon as beds become available.

Mr. Lang

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this little girl has been in that institution for five years now, and can he give me any idea how soon something can be done?

Mr. Bevan

There is an appalling shortage of accommodation and staff in these mental deficiency institutions. We are doing our utmost to try to ameliorate the circumstances. It does not necessarily follow, however, that the length of stay is itself evidence of hardship. I will privately give my hon. Friend a description of the condition of this patient, if he wishes, but I always try to avoid giving these particulars in order to avoid causing pain.