§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many farms are attached to mental hospitals, and what is their acreage; whether it is his policy that they should be operated on a commercial basis; and whether he is satisfied with the standard of management of these farms and that they are being used to the best advantage;
(2) if he will institute a complete review of the hospital farm policy and their present standard of management.
§ Mr. MoyleHealth authorities have authority to run farms only where this is necessary to provide training and occupation for patients and not as a commercial enterprise, though they are expected to have regard to the costs and benefits of all the activities they undertake. Standards of management are for health authorities to monitor in the first instance. I am not aware of any general problems in this respect, but perhaps the hon. Member would let me know if he has a particular case in mind. A review of hospital farms which was undertaken in 1975 showed that there were then 43 farms in use, comprising 4,766 acres, although some were due to be wound up and the land disposed of. The vast 521W majority of these farms are likely to be at mental hospitals, but separate figures are not available by type of hospital. My Department is currently asking health authorities to review the position again and report the outcome. I will write to the hon. Member when up-to-date information is available.