HC Deb 01 April 1957 vol 568 cc1-2
2. Sir K. Joseph

asked the Minister of Health how many occupational centres for mentally handicapped children there were in 1951; and how many there are now.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. J. K. Vaughan-Morgan)

At the beginning of 1951, the total number of occupation centres for all age groups was 181. Today it is 305. Most of the centres take children up to the age of 16.

Sir K. Joseph

Whilst appreciating that the Government have made special concessions for these centres, does the Minister think there is need for more, and, if so, what action is he proposing to take to continue the valuable trend disclosed by his reply?

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

The need for developing these training facilities is regarded as of exceptional urgency, and very high priority is given to the provision of occupation centres.