HC Deb 23 October 1952 vol 505 cc1247-8
8. Mr. Edward Davies

asked the Minister of Health how far the present bed space in the mental hospitals fails to meet the demands of patients under treatment for mental illness.

Mr. Iain Macleod

On 1st January, 1952, the bed space in use was overcrowded by 16,124 patients, an average of 13.5 per cent.

Mr. Davies

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that all the available space is being used for the purpose for which it is intended? Does not the Ministry's Report say that some of the available bed space is diverted to other purposes? What other purposes are they? Ought not the right hon. Gentleman look into this matter?

Mr. Macleod

I will certainly look at it. If the hon. Gentleman wants to raise a particular point relating to my Report, perhaps he will put a Question down.

Mr. Shinwell

Do not the figures submitted by the right hon. Gentleman disclose a very unsatisfactory state of affairs? Has he any information on what is likely to be done?

Mr. Macleod

They disclose a most unsatisfactory state of affairs, and the reason, frankly, is that in the honeymoon period of Health Service expenditure nothing like enough attention was given to the mental health service.

Mr. Marquand

Would the right hon. Gentleman now be able to tell us the answer to a question which I think he was unable to answer earlier, whether there are any projects for building new accommodation in mental hospitals suffering under the postponement of new capital expenditure which took place at the beginning of the year?

Mr. Macleod

I must have notice of that.