HC Deb 18 May 1950 vol 475 cc175-6W
85. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Health the number of aged and chronic sick people who are housed in mental institutions in Wales because no other hospital accommodation is available; and what steps he is taking to relieve this problem.

Mr. Bevan

I am not aware that any aged persons not suffering from mental infirmity are being housed in mental institutions in Wales; but I understand that there are, in those institutions, some 663 persons over the age of 65 who are suffering from mental infirmity, but could be appropriately accommodated elsewhere if suitable alternative accommodation were available. I have recently issued to the regional hospital boards some suggestions as to the provision of alternative accommodation for aged persons suffering from mental infirmity.