§ 1. Mr. Stanley Prescott,asked the Minister of Health how many mentally deficient children are awaiting admission to institutions; what were the comparable figures at the same date for 1947, 1948 and 1949; and what steps he is taking to expedite admission.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Aneurin Bevan)Figures in regard to mentally defective children are not separately shown.
§ Mr. PrescottEven if the figures are not separately shown, could the right hon. Gentleman say what he is doing to expedite the admission of these children to homes? Is he aware that this is a very serious problem?
§ Mr. BevanWithin the resources available, we are, of course, adding to the accommodation. I am quite aware of the seriousness of the problem, and if we could make more accommodation available I would be delighted.
§ Captain John CrowderIs it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman is also very short of staff to look after these children? I have had great difficulty in my constituency in finding room for mentally deficient children?
§ Mr. BevanStaff is a little easier now than it was, as a result of improvements in conditions, but staff as well as accomodation is a limiting factor.