HC Deb 06 May 1954 vol 527 cc579-80
55 Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Health what proportion of patients in mental hospitals are 65 years of age and over; and what variations there have been in this proportion over the last few years.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Figures for 1953 are not yet available, but at the end of 1952 the proportion was 28.8 per cent. compared with 28.1 in 1951, 27.4 in 1950, and 26.6 in 1949.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Does the right hon. Gentleman not agree, in view of the very high proportion of elderly persons in our mental hospitals, that it is very important that we should try to do more to establish possibly residential homes for the care of those who are perhaps confused cases rather than mental cases proper?

Mr. Macleod

I do not dissent from what the hon. Gentleman says, but it is a good deal wider than his Question.

Mrs. Braddock

As there is grave concern about the number of old people who are being certified because there is no opportunity of their obtaining accommodation in an ordinary hospital, will the Minister give instructions that no persons are to be certified in order to get them into hospital unless there is something definitely mentally wrong with them?

Mr. Macleod

I would rather study that first. Perhaps the hon. Lady will put a Question upon the Order Paper.