§ 9. Mr. Braineasked the Minister of Health what progress has been made in providing additional accommodation for mental defectives at the South Ockendon Institution.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodTwo new villas of 40 beds each have just been completed and the Board plan to begin work on another similar villa this year and have proposals for a fourth in 1955. In addition, three properties have been purchased for adaptation to provide 98 beds.
§ Mr. BraineWhile recognising that this additional accommodation will substantially reduce the tragically long waiting list in Essex, can my right hon. Friend say whether he anticipates any staffing difficulties?
§ Mr. MacleodI have no particular knowledge of any staffing difficulty at the South Ockendon Institution, but I do not attempt to disguise the fact that the staffing problem in the mental services generally is most serious.