§ 24. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to provide further accommodation in institutions for mentally deficient children having regard to the fact that there are approximately 4,000 cases waiting, half of whom are regarded as urgent, for vacancies in 7,120 beds.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe attention of regional Hospital boards has been drawn to the urgency of this matter and they have been asked to give special attention to schemes for increasing the accommodation for this type of case.
§ Mr. HastingsDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that about 4,000 homes are being robbed of decent family life by these unfortunate children and that what is required for them is not elaborate medical attention but accommodation and reasonable conditions of life? Will he further urge regional boards to obtain accommodation suitable for these cases?
§ Mr. MacleodI am extremely conscious of the urgency of this matter. It is true that about 200 extra beds will become available from schemes which are now in hand, but I realise that that is negligible against the size of the problem presented to us. All I can say 1543 is that I have done, and will do, everything i can to keep before those responsible the needs of mental deficiency cases and, indeed, of all those under the mental health services.