HC Deb 15 May 1961 vol 640 cc97-8W
32. Mr. Iremonger

asked the Minister of Health how many patients not of subnormal intelligence are at present in guardianship and detained in hospitals by virtue of applications for admission for treatment as psychopathic patients; how many local authorities and how many hospitals have developed special facilities for treating such patients: and what action he is taking to encourage the provision of such facilities by other local authorities and in other hospitals.

Mr. Powell

I regret that the information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available but the results of a count taken on 30th April should provide valuable statistics on psychopathy. Facilities for treating psychopaths exist at most major psychiatric hospitals, and will be developed as indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for St. Pancras, North (Mr. K. Robinson), on 18th April, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. The treatment required is mainly hospital treatment; but the general development of local authority provision for mental health should assist.