HC Deb 20 July 1983 vol 46 c387

4.3 pm

Mr. Jack Ashley (Stoke-on-Trent, South)

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 10, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely, conditions in hospitals for the mentally handicapped. The revelation today of the reports by the development team for the mentally handicapped shows that thousands of mentally handicapped people in Britain are suffering from appalling conditions. This matter is specific. This morning The Guardian revealed extracts from 18 reports, 17 of which have been kept secret by the Government. The reports deal with no fewer than 50 hospitals and 30 hostels. People in many of these institutions are suffering because of an incredible shortage of care and bad conditions.

This matter is important because we are dealing with people who cannot look after themselves. They are in public institutions and, therefore, are the responsibility of the public, Parliament and the Government. If anything is wrong, we should deal with it.

According to the reports, a great deal is wrong. Many mentally handicapped are in grossly overcrowded hospitals and institutions. Some are nor given the dignity of reasonable toilet accommodation. Some of the hospitals and institutions are grossly understaffed, though great tributes have been paid to the nurses. Some institutions are colossal fire risks. Some mentally handicapped people are in grim, stinking institutions too ancient to accomodate anyone throughout his life.

This matter is urgent, and if the House of Commons does not regard that kind of national scandal as a matter of urgency, no one will. Unless we take action today, the matter will simply drift and be repeated ad nauseum. It is urgent also because the Government continue to make false promises, give bromides and utter smooth words, but we receive no action or cash from the Government.

I hope, Mr. Speaker, that you will see your way clear to granting this application. If you do it will show the House and the public that you regard the incarceration of these thousands of mentally handicapped people as an abomination. If you do not — and I recognise your difficulties—the Government must be warned that the scandal must be tackled, because we shall not tolerate thousands of mentally handicapped people being treated in this shocking, atrocious and uncivilised manner.

Mr. Speaker

The right hon. Member asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he thinks should have urgent consideration, namely, the revelations in The Guardian today regarding conditions in some hospitals for the mentally handicapped. As the right hon. Member knows, I have considerable sympathy with what he has said, because I have an interest in the matter. Nevertheless, I have to decide whether what he has said should have precedence over the business for today.

As the House knows, under Standing Order No. 10 I am directed to take into account the several factors set out in the order, but to give no reasons for my decision. I have given careful thought to the right hon. Member's representations, but I have to rule that his submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order and, therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.