HC Deb 21 May 1953 vol 515 cc2227-8
3. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Minister of Health the amount of capital expenditure allocated to mental health services in the last year; and what percentage of the total capital expenditure this represented.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Iain Macleod)

For 1952–53 hospital boards included in their capital programmes mental health projects to the value of about £165 million, and about £50,000 was held in reserve for two major schemes not covered by these programmes. This total of £1.7 million represents some 18 per cent. of the sum of the capital programmes and 21 per cent. of the expenditure estimated to have been incurred during the year.

Mr. Shepherd

Can my right hon. Friend say whether, relatively, the amount allocated to the mental health services for capital purposes is increasing, and, if it is not, does he hold out any hope of its doing so in view of the urgent need to deal with children's cases?

Mr. Macleod

Yes, Sir, it is increasing, particularly in the regional allocations, where the figure is now 30.2 per cent.