HC Deb 16 December 1948 vol 459 c185W
75. Mr. C. Smith

asked the Minister of Health whether in view of the urgent need for additional institutional accommodation for mental defectives in Essex, he is now able to indicate the extent to which it may be possible to authorise the erection of new buildings for this purpose; and whether he will afford an appreciable measure of priority to such works.

Mr. Bevan

Yes. Work is proceeding on the erection of a 42-bed unit at the Royal Eastern Counties Institution, and the Regional Hospital Board are considering plans for four further units.