HC Deb 24 July 1947 vol 440 cc171-2W
92. Commander Maitland

asked the Minister of Health how many children can be accommodated in the county of Lindsey under the provisions of Section 57 (3) of the Education Act, 1944; and how many are on the waiting list for accommodation.

Mr. Bevan

The Lindsey County Council is a constituent member of the Lincolnshire Joint Board for the Mentally Defective which owns the Harmston Hall Colony. This colony has accommodation for 141 children, including those reported under Section 57 (3) of the Education Act, 1944. The Lindsey County Council have at present on their waiting list the names of 44 children, of whom 23 were so reported.

Mr. S. Shephard

asked the Minister of Health how many persons who have been reported as mentally deficient are awaiting admission to an institution for treatment.

Mr. Bevan

On the 1st January last, the latest date for which comprehensive statistics are available, the number was 3,898.

Mr. S. Shephard

asked the Minister of Health how many children of school age have been reported as mentally deficient and are still awaiting admission to an institution for treatment.

Mr. Bevan

During 1946 the number of children reported under Section 57 of the Education Act, 1944, was 4,209. I regret that information is not available as to the number now awiting admission to an institution.

Mr. S. Shephard

asked the Minister at Health if he is aware that Maurice Ian Attenborough, Lowdham, Notts, was reported by the county school medical officer to be a mentally defective and epileptic child on 14th October, 1941; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure his early admission to an institution.

Mr. Bevan

This case was reported in 1942, and the child was placed under statutory supervision. In 1944 a vacancy in a local institution was declined by the relatives. In view of recent changes in the home circumstances it is proposed to obtain an Order placing the child in the statutory guardianship of the parents, which will ensure financial assistance until a place in an institution can be found.