HC Deb 17 July 1961 vol 644 cc883-4
45. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Health what was the total number of mental patients at the latest convenient date; how many are compulsorily detained; and how the number detained compares with 1959 and 1960, respectively.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Enoch Powell)

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

Following are the figures:

— 1959 1960
Average daily occupation of National Health Service psychiatric beds 199,998 197,779
Number of patients detained in National Health Service Hospitals on 31st December 73,904 (see note)

NOTE: Not available, owing to the effect of the transitional provisions of the Mental Health Act, 1959.

46. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Health what was the number of applications made up to the latest convenient date to mental review tribunals; how many cases have been dealt with by tribunals; and what have been the results.

Mr. Powell

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Dodds

Is the Minister aware that he has got off with it until next week?

Mr. K. Robinson

In view of the high proportion of cases which have not been heard, on the last lot of figures he produced, can the Minister say what is the average length of delay between the application being made and being heard by a tribunal?

Mr. Powell

Not without notice, but if the hon. Gentleman looks at my answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT he will see that there has been a very large increase in the number of cases dealt with.

Following is the information:

Applications to Mental Health Review Tribunals 1st November, 1960 to 7th July, 1961
Number of applications … 477
Applications considered by tribunals … 274
Directions for discharge … 27
Applications rejected … 239
Consideration adjourned … 8