HC Deb 29 February 1960 vol 618 cc802-3
2. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Health how many patients compulsorily detained at the Littlemore Mental Hospital, could now be released on licence or discharged if places in suitable homes or hostels were available for them.

Mr. Walker-Smith

None, Sir.

Mr. Dodds

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman not aware that a second patient escaped on the same day and that this second patient is also deemed not now to require care? Is it not remarkable that two people should have escaped and that these two should be fit for the outside world, while all those who remain still need care and attention?

Mr. Walker-Smith

No. The hon. Gentleman's Question relates to those patients who are "compulsorily detained". There are, in fact, only nine such patients at the Littlemore Mental Hospital, and my answer refers to them.

Mr. Dodds

Is it not a fact that many others who are not compulsorily detained are inside the walls of mental hospitals because there are no places for them outside?

Mr. Walker-Smith

Some patients at the Littlemore Mental Hospital who are not compulsorily detained could probably go to other accommodation if it were available. I have recently agreed to the acquisition of a house in Oxford to be used as an annexe to this hospital for this purpose, and it may be that we shall be able to do more in that direction.