HC Deb 03 July 1967 vol 749 cc1256-7
46. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Minister of Health what evidence he has of the need in the Bedford area for a residential intensive care unit for severely deaf children to serve Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, and parts of Hertfordshire; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Snow

I am not sure what kind of care my hon. Friend has in mind, but if he has evidence of some unmet need I shall be glad to consider it.

Mr. Roberts

Is the Minister aware that young children in this area are being sent long distances from home for periods of three months and upwards to receive training? Is he aware that if a unit for training were available in Bedford, on a five-day residential basis, they would be able to go home for the weekend and thus get the best of both worlds?

Mr. Snow

I know that this problem exists. Now that we have more specific information about what my hon. Friend has in mind, we will write to him about it. The case which has been exercising his mind, concerning a girl, Karen Palega, is being examined and I will write to him about it.