§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many mentally defective patients are now detained in Scotland under his authority; what are their ages and sexes; where they are; what steps are being taken by him to ensure that the condition of each is periodically reviewed with a view to release; and how many have been released.
§ Mr. MaclayAt 30th September there were 5,732 patients under detention and 2.542 under guardianship, details of which are appended. Patients are detained on the initiative of the parents or of the local authority with the parents' consent, or by order of the Sheriff. The need for detention is subsequently reviewed by the General Board of Control. I myself have no statutory authority in these matters. In the first nine months of 1958 100 patients were discharged and 127 released on licence.
region of Wellburn Bridge: and if he will state how many road accidents have occurred there since the war, and the number of fatalities.
§ Mr. MaclaySince 1st January, 1949, the earliest date from which records are 173W available, there have been eight accidents at Wellburn Bridge. There were no fatalities but three of the accidents involved personal injuries. This section of the road will be improved as part of the scheme for the provision of dual carriageways from Lesmahagow to Canderside, which I hope to authorise within the next two or three years.