§ 43. Mr. Edward Evansasked the Minister of Health how many registered blind persons and partially-sighted persons, respectively, are known to be 1356 patients in mental hospitals and institutions; how many of these have been discharged during the past twelve months; and if he is satisfied that the fullest facilities for visits by welfare workers are available.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodOn 31st December, 1952, the last date for which complete figures are available, there were 1,158 registered blind persons in mental hospitals and 639 in mental deficiency hospitals in England and Wales. The number of partially-sighted patients is not known, nor the number of discharges during the past 12 months. I am not aware of any lack of facilities for visits by welfare workers, but if the hon. Member has particulars of any individual cases I shall be glad to look into them.
§ Mr. EvansIn view of the very alarming figures which the Minister has disclosed—1,800 blind people in mental hospitals and institutions—does he not feel anxiety that this number is increased by the possibility that old blind people may be taken to mental hospitals because they suffer from lack of attention at home or because there is not sufficient provision in homes for blind people, and that they therefore have to be taken to these mental hospitals which, I suggest to the right hon. Gentleman, is a very serious position for them?
§ Mr. MacleodI discussed this matter at a very helpful all-party meeting under the chairmanship of the right hon. Member for Middlesbrough, East (Mr. Marquand), and this was one of the matters which caused all of us a good deal of concern. I will try to look into this matter now to see whether there is anything that can be done, perhaps along the lines of the hon. Member's suggestion. If the hon. Member, who has particular experience in this field, would like to put some suggestions to me, I should be very grateful to him.