§ 33. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health how many mentally deficient children, young persons and adults are now in appropriate institutions; how many are awaiting admission; how many applications for discharge were made and were granted during 1956; of these, how many applications for their re-admission were made by parents or guardians; and in how many instances certification and 895 removal to institutions were made despite resistance by parents or guardians.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganAs the reply involves a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the information:
§ At 31st December, 1956, the numbers in hospital were:—
| under 16 years | … | … | 7,628 |
| 16 years and over | … | … | 53,447 |
| Total | … | … | 61,075 |
§ the numbers awaiting admission were:—
| under 16 years | … | 3,046 |
| 16 years and over | … | 3,201 |
| Total | … | 6,247 |
§ The number discharged during 1956 was 2,828.
§ I regret that the further information asked for is not available.
§ 34. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health the number and percentage of mental patients in hospitals who are voluntary patients; what was the number who discharged themselves during 1956; how many certified patients absconded during that period and how many of those returned; what approximately was the number of discharged voluntary and certified patients, respectively, who were subsequently re-admitted to hospitals within the year; how many serious complaints were made in respect of treatment of detention; and how many of these were investigated and deemed justified by hospital committees.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganThe number of voluntary patients in hospitals on 31st December, 1956, was 43,485, a percentage of 29.9. The number who left during 1956 was 62,106. I regret that I have no record of the further information asked for.
§ Mr. SorensenAssuming that all this information in reply to this and a previous Question were available to the Royal Commission, to what extent does the hon. Gentleman feel it controverts or affirms the general conclusions of the Report of the Commission?
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganI frankly think it would be very difficult to deal adequately with that in answer to a supplementary question.