HC Deb 05 March 1956 vol 549 cc1698-9
34. Mr. B. Harrison

asked the Minister of Health how many mentally-defective children are waiting for a place in a suitable institution in Essex; and the average time of waiting.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Patricia Hornsby-Smith)

One hundred and seventy-three on 1st January, 1956. The average waiting time for children during 1955 was approximately two and a half years.

Mr. Harrison

Will my hon. Friend please do everything possible to reduce the long wait because of the tremendous suffering which it often causes to the families concerned?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

My hon. Friend will appreciate that until two years ago there was no new hospital building, and that it takes some time for new buildings to be erected. There are 108 additional beds for mentally-defective children nearing completion at South Ockenden Hospital, and it is hoped that a further 80 beds will be provided as part of the 1957–58 building programme, but, as my hon. Friend knows, the turnover in mental deficiency homes for children is, unfortunately, practically negligible.

Mr. W. R. Williams

On a point of order. Is it in order, Mr. Speaker, for an hon. Member to be reading a newspaper in the Chamber?

Mr. Speaker

No, it is not in order.

Dr. Summerskill

Can the hon. Lady say whether the two and a half years' waiting period reflects the position all over the country, or is the position in Essex exceptional.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

Essex is one of the counties which are not so well off and which have long waiting lists.

Mr. Shurmer

Is the hon. Lady aware that there is a need for beds in all parts of the country? In view of recent cases in which patients have been found fit for discharge, is it not time for an inquiry into our hospitals for mental defectives, in which are detained many people who ought to be discharged to make room for others?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

With regard to the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, he should await the results of the Report of the Royal Commission on Mental Health. With regard to the first part, it is because we recognised the need that there are 6,000 beds in the pipeline.

Mr. Speaker

Miss Burton.

Mr. Callaghan

Might I ask the Parliamentary Secretary what a mental bed in a pipeline is?

Mr. Speaker

The answer to that question will have to be deferred because I have called the next Question.