HC Deb 24 March 1958 vol 585 cc26-7
42. Mr. J. Harrison

asked the Minister of Health what facilities are at present available for the institutional treatment of mental cases in the Nottingham area in view of the large number of cases awaiting admission; and how the present facilities compare with those available three years ago.

Mr. Walker-Smith

I will, with permission, circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Harrison

In view of the urgent character of this problem, will the Minister refuse to be persuaded to economise in this service for the institutional care of these mental cases, no matter what else he feels should be the victim of economy in this valuable service?

Mr. Walker-Smith

In the hospital programme generally, I am sure that the hon. Member is aware of the rising trend of the amount which we are spending year by year on capital investment in the hospital sector.

Following are the figures:

AUTHORISED ACCOMMODATION IN NOTTINGHAMSHIRE (BEDS)
— Mental Illness Mental Deficiency
31st December, 1954 1,892 219
Now 1,987 361
In addition Aston Hall Hospital, Derbyshire, where there has been an increase from 271 to 391 since the end of 1954 in the beds available, is used for mentally defective patients from Nottinghamshire.