HC Deb 23 October 1952 vol 505 cc1244-5
19 and 20. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Minister of Health (1) why, in the recent Reports, Part I, National Health Service, and Part II, On the State of the Public Health, no reference was made to the number of occupation centres and clubs in the country;

(2) the number of occupation centres and clubs at December, 1951, as compared with December, 1950; and the number on the registers of occupation centres on these dates.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Some selection is made of particular aspects of the mental health services dealt with in detail in such reports and occupational training was so dealt with in the previous report for the year ended 31st March, 1950. In December, 1951, there were 195 centres and 11 clubs, and the number attending them was 7,351. The corresponding figures in December, 1950, were 183, 12 and 6,318.

Mr. Shepherd

In view of the considerable interest which most of those who are interested in this side of the work take in the occupation centres, will my right hon. Friend see that in future reports the relevant figures are given?

Mr. Macleod

I know that my hon. Friend is particularly interested in this subject. The figures have continued to climb throughout this year. I shall certainly consider whether we should make a fuller statement in the next annual report.