§ 114. Sir L. Ropnerasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that there is often a delay of several years before a vacancy can be found in any institution for a mentally deficient child; and what action he is taking to improve matters.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI am aware of un- fortunate delays which are caused by the serious shortage of staffed beds. There are about 3,000 more mentally defective patients in hospitals now than in 1948 including about 1,400 more children.200W Building work to provide another 970 beds of which about one-third are for children is in progress and there will be further development as far as capital and other resources permit.