HC Deb 08 February 1965 vol 706 c3
15. Mr. Goodhew

asked the Minister of Health why the project to build an adolescent unit for psychotic children which was included in the North-West Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board's programme for 1966 has now been deferred.

Mr. K. Robinson

Because in the view of the regional hospital board other schemes had higher priority within the resources likely to be available.

Mr. Goodhew

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that only a few months ago this project was regarded by the regional hospital board as one of the most urgent in the mental health field in the whole region? Is it possible that there is some delay in deciding what sort of planning is necessary in the design of this unit?

Mr. Robinson

As I understand it, when the regional board had to reassess its priorities because of the position under the Hospital Plan, this was one of the projects which had to be deferred. But priorities within the region must be a matter for the regional board and not for me.

Dr. Wyndham Davies

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a nation-wide shortage of accommodation for psychotic adolescents?

Mr. Robinson

Yes, Sir. I remember calling attention to it myself in the last Parliament.