§ 1. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress he has made to date with his plans to provide additional accommodation for mentally retarded children in or near Aberdeen.
The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Commander T. D. Galbraith)The North-Eastern Regional Hospital Board proposes to develop Woodlands Home, Cults, as a regional centre for mentally defective children requiring institional care. The centre has already been expanded from 62 places to 120, and will ultimately provide about 250. There is no evidence that additional accommodation is needed in this area at present for mentally handicapped children whose need is for special educational treatment.
§ Mr. HughesI am aware that that area is rich in accommodation for such children, but surely the Minister has some plans for extending the accommodation still further?
Commander GalbraithThat will be done if required. At present, there does not appear to be any need.