HC Deb 16 December 1957 vol 580 cc6-7W
21. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Health how many patients in mental institutions, at the latest convenient date, are held as certified mental defectives on the ground of being found neglected when they were at the time already in the care of the local authorities or of an approved charitable organisation; and in what circumstances persons are so certified.

Mr. Walker-Smith

On 1st December, 1957, 4,455 mental defectives were detained in Mental Deficiency hospitals in the circumstances mentioned. They were sent to these hospitals in pursuance of Orders made by Judicial Authorities in accordance with Section 6 of the Mental Deficiency Act, 1913.