§ Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Health what progress is being made in providing hostels for people now confined in mental hospitals solely because there is no other provision for their welfare, in view of the desirability of enabling them to regain their liberty and self respect as members of the community.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithLocal authorities have made a start in providing hostels of various kinds for the mentally disordered. It is likely that the main effect at first will be to avoid hospital admission for those not in need of it rather than to enable hospitals to discharge patients; local authorities and hospital authorities have, however, been asked to consult together in assessing future needs for the provision of hostels.