HC Deb 13 February 1967 vol 741 cc73-4
29. Mr. Kenneth Lewis

asked the Minister of Health how many children below the age of 16 years are at present placed as patients in adult mental hospitals in England and Wales.

Mr. K. Robinson

I regret the information requested is not available centrally.

Mr. Lewis

Is the Minister aware that there are children in mental hospitals with adults? Does he not consider this a most undesirable practice and that mentally handicapped children should at least be in a separate department and not mixed with adults?

Mr. Robinson

I think that is generally desirable, and hospital authorities were advised in 1964 that special units should be provided as soon as possible for both mentally ill and seriously maladjusted children and adolescents. Although progress has been made, there is still a shortage of recommended accommodation.