HC Deb 23 February 1971 vol 812 cc300-1
20. Dr. Stuttaford

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the length of the waiting list for urgent admissions for the mentally subnormal in the Norwich area, he will authorise a building programme to increase the number of beds available at Plumstead Hospital.

Mr. Alison

No, Sir. The Region's services for the mentally handicapped are unduly concentrated in the Norwich area. The regional hospital board intends to deal with the problem by providing beds in other areas.

Dr. Stuttaford

But is my hon. Friend aware that the long-term planning for the mentally subnormal in the whole of the regional hospital board area makes fewer beds available in the 1980s than are available in the 1970s?

Mr. Alison

The board's future plans are under discussion in the Department. I would rather not comment on them now. But I think that my hon. Friend will agree that there is undue concentration in Norwich at present.