§ 38. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Minister of Health what steps are being taken by his Department to find institutional accommodation for Jean Cotterill, of 33, Cornbrook Road, Macclesfield, particulars of whom have already been sent to him.
§ Mr. BevanThe regional hospital board have full particulars of this case and appreciate its urgency. They will take all steps to provide a suitable place as soon as possible, but they are up against a serious shortage of accommodation.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that I have been corresponding with him since September, 1948, since when the father of this mentally defective child has died, and will he say what he is going to do about it? Does he further realise that a Labour councillor in my Division is highly dissatisfied with the way the local authorities have dealt with the matter?
§ Mr. BevanThere are a number of cases of this kind where there is a great deal of regrettable delay. There is a shortage of accommodation, but there is much more accommodation now than was available before.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyThe right hon. Gentleman has done nothing about it at all.
§ Mrs. Leah ManningIn view of the great distress which children of this kind 2180 cause in their own homes and the inconvenience caused by many others boarded out in hospitals, can my right hon. Friend assure me that no cut is to be made in the accommodation which he promised me three months ago was to be provided for these children in the near future?
§ Mr. BevanIt is not intended to make any reduction in the capital programme of the Health Service.