§ 18. Mr. W. Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the overall shortage of accommodation for mental defectives; and which regional board areas are worst off in this respect.
§ Mr. GalbraithWhile the ultimate need for accommodation cannot be assessed with any precision, there is undoubtedly a shortage for certain classes of notably low-grade children. The current building programme will provide 800 additional places in the next three years, and further proposals are under consideration. The regions least well served at present are the North, North-Eastern and South-Eastern.
§ Mr. HamiltonCan the Minister give any indication of how this figure of 800 in the next three years measures up to the scope of the problem? It is no use his telling us that facilities for another 800 are to be provided, if the overall shortage cannot be dealt with. Will he inform the House of the position and give some indication when we are to get legislation on mental health in Scotland?
§ Mr. GalbraithThe figure of 800 which I have just mentioned will produce an increase in the South-Eastern Region of 18 per cent. As to the Mental Health Bill, I think the hon. Member will not have to wait too long for that.