HC Deb 26 March 1956 vol 550 c1772
50. Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Health if he will make and publish a survey of the number of patients, aged 65 years and over, now in mental hospitals who would, subject to decertification where necessary, be suitable for transfer to long-stay annexes.

Mr. Turton

I do not consider that such a survey is at present needed.

Mr. Collins

But if the Minister is not aware of the number of people who should not be in mental hospitals, how can he possibly provide adequate buildings for their proper care and maintenance?

Mr. Turton

In the Report of the Ministry of Health for 1954 it was estimated from a limited survey that about 10,000 of the aged residents in mental hospitals could be cared for either in long-stay annexes or in local authority Part III accommodation or in chronic sick wards, and I am proceeding on that information at present.