§ 15. Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress is being made to provide more facilities for children requiring permanent care in South Derbyshire, because of severe physical or mental handicaps; and whether his recent discussions with Derby-shire County Council and Derby Borough will lead to an early elimination of the waiting list.
§ Mr. AlisonA 92-place residential school for physically handicapped children is under construction at Long Eaton. Further provision for mentally handicapped children will be needed before waiting lists can be eliminated and the regional hospital board will be meeting the responsible local authorities later this month to discuss joint development plans.
§ Mr. RostI thank my hon. Friend for that answer, which will be most welcome to those concerned with the tragic and anxious cases of children who are waiting for permanent care. Does he accept that at a time when local health, welfare and security officers, regional hospital boards and doctors all unanimously admit that there are children needing permanent care but who have no immediate hope of getting it, this matter needs urgent attention?
§ Mr. AlisonThe extra resources that my right hon. Friend has secured for the development of this service will be of considerable help. The developments which have taken place at Nottingham Hospital will relieve the pressure locally.