§ 24. Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Minister of Health if he will survey a densely populated urban area and a sparsely populated rural area of roughly equal population to establish the numbers and classification of the young chronic sick between the ages of 16 to 60 institutionalised under the care of the regional hospital boards, local authorities and, where possible without compulsion in any form, outside the National Health Service; including those from the selected areas who are institutionalised outside its boundaries.
§ Mr. SnowA survey of younger chronic sick patients in hospital in all areas of England and Wales is in progress. 4,532 physically handicapped people below the age of 65 were in residential homes under local authority arrangements on 31st December, 1966.
§ Mr. MorrisIs my hon. Friend aware that there is increasing public concern about the welfare of and facilities available to the young chronic sick? Would not a survey of the kind suggested encourage the hope of much more action from the Ministry and far better statistics available to it?
§ Mr. SnowThere are later Questions on this matter. My right hon. Friend will keep in mind the possibility of a survey of the young chronic sick in local authority homes. The whole issue is very complicated and takes into account various forms of multiple disablement.