§ 32. Mr. Braineasked the Minister of Health what steps are being taken to remedy the shortage of accommodation for mental defectives in the North-East Metropolitan Hospital Region.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodTwo villas are being erected at South Ockendon Hospital and two properties have been purchased for adaptation. When completed, these schemes will provide 127 additional beds.
§ Mr. BraineMay I thank my right hon. Friend for that good news, which will do something to mitigate this very distressing situation? Is he aware, however, that the position has deteriorated since the beginning of the year? Can he say when the additional accommodation may become available?
§ Mr. MacleodI regard this problem as one of the most tragic and difficult in the entire National Health Service and, of course, it is not a local one in any way. So far as the immediate question is concerned, I am told that these villas are 25 per cent. complete and I will let my hon. Friend know when they are completed.
§ Mr. SnowWill the right hon. Gentleman give some consideration to the proposals submitted to the Central Health Services Council by the Institute of Social Psychiatry—proposals designed to relieve this very tragic congestion which occurs in all regions?
§ Mr. MacleodYes, Sir, my predecessor has started a fairly full inquiry into the whole matter in the whole of the country and replies to our questionnaire are coming in now from regional hospital boards.