§ Mr. W. A. Robinsonasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that patients at present in various mental hospitals in Lancashire are in excess of the number allowed by statute and that, in addition, there are cases awaiting 2201W transfer from public hospitals in Liverpool and Lancashire, he will make investigations as to the cause of the delay which takes place in obtaining the approval of the Board of Control to schemes submitted to them; and will he urge the Board of Control to expedite their approval of the Birchhall certified institution extension scheme, which has been under consideration by them for about three years?
§ Sir K. WoodI am advised that the present inadequacy of accommodation for mental patients in Lancashire is not in any way due, to delay on the part of the Board of Control in approving either the Brockhall institution extension or any other schemes submitted to them by the Lancashire Mental Hospitals Board. If, however, the hon. Member will inform me of any particular scheme in which delay is alleged, I will make inquiries.