§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Minister of Health how many asylums have been, or are about to be, opened this year; is he aware that the Mental Hospitals' Association reported in 1922 vacancies in public asylums to the extent of 18,000 beds which have apparently been now filled up: and, in view of the increase in insanity thus indicated, an increase undoubtedly traceable to lack of preventive measures, will he reconsider the question of encouraging by Parliamentary grant the provision under health committees, as distinct from asylum committees, of hospitals quite apart from lunacy administration, where uncertifiable cases may have the benefit of such early and appropriate care as may promote their speedy recovery without the risk and detriment of being placed under lunacy control?
Mr. GREENWOODOne new public mental hospital has been or will be opened this year. With regard to the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Eccles (Mr. Buckle) on the 5th June.