HC Deb 07 May 1956 vol 552 cc816-7
27. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Health if he will estimate the amount of capital expenditure for the year 1956–57 on mental and mental deficiency hospitals; and what proportion this represents of the total capital expenditure on the hospital service

Mr. Turton

About £4,400,000 and 31 per cent

Mr. Robinson

Does the Minister not agree from what he himself has seen of the needs of mental hospitals that they are not likely to be met by figures like this, and will he give an assurance that he will do what he can to see that this proportion and the total amount go steadily upwards?

Mr. Turton

The programme announced by my predecessor last year of £17½ million on major projects of capital expenditure included in it more than £10 million expenditure on mental and mental-deficiency hospitals. The hon. Gentleman will note the improvement in the percentage.