Mr. HERBERTasked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the inadequate accommodation for mentally deficient persons throughout the country; and whether he will direct the Board of Control to exercise their powers under the Mental Deficiency Act, 1913, to provide suitable homes for those mentally deficient persons whose neglected supervision is likely to be a danger to the community?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The provision of accommodation for mental defectives under the Act of 1913 rests with the local authorities, and has necessarily been largely suspended during 971W the War. The Board of Control are, however, fully alive to the urgent need for further accommodation, and a circular letter to local authorities on the subject will be issued in a few days.