HC Deb 08 February 1957 vol 564 cc104-5W
Mr. Sydney Irving

asked the Minister of Health how many mentally handicapped are attending occupation centres; and how many await places.

Mr. Vosper

On 31st December, 1955, the latest date for which complete figures are available, 12,372 mentally handicapped persons were attending occupation centres and 7,877 others, the majority adults, were reported by local health authorities to be suitable to attend when places could be provided.

Mr. Sidney Irving

asked the Minister of Health how many occupation centres are in use for the mentally handicapped at the moment; and how many it is proposed to provide in the next two years.

Mr. Vosper

At the encl of 1956, there were 301 occupation centres in full-time use and 69 other centres where part-time training was being given. Schemes for another 41 full-time centres have been approved and may be expected to be working in the course of the next two years, and proposals for 33 others are being considered.