§ 48 and 49. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Health (1) whether he will state the number of patients in Whitchurch Mental Hospital, Cardiff, who could have been discharged three months ago or longer, but who are retained in hospital because there is no home to which they can return;
(2) how many discharged patients from Whitchurch Mental Hospital have been housed in local authority hostels during the past six months; and what steps are being taken to reduce more rapidly the list of people who are waiting for such accommodation.
§ Mr. BraineI understand that about 160 patients in this hospital could live in the community if suitable accommodation of various kinds were available. Fourteen have been housed in local authority accommodation during the past six months. The local authorities concerned propose a substantial increase in their provision of residential homes.