§ 5. Mr. Willisasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many persons are still awaiting admission to mental homes and institutions in Edinburgh and Midlothian.
§ Mr. GalbraithOn 1st February there were thirty-eight persons awaiting admission to mental hospitals in Edinburgh and Midlothian. There were 117 persons from Edinburgh and Midlothian on the regional waiting list for admission to mental deficiency hospitals; of these twenty-four were classified as urgent.
§ Mr. WillisIs not it rather shocking that, after ten years of Tory rule, we still have these long waiting dists? When will there be an appreciable change for the better in the situation?
§ Mr. GalbraithI think the hon. Gentleman knows that there is a new ward which was opened at Gogarburn Hospital where thirty extra beds became available last week. The remaining beds will be brought into use as soon as possible, and a further sixty supplied during this summer.