HC Deb 12 March 1963 vol 673 cc148-50W
Mr. J. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children and young persons found to be mentally handicapped have been sent to approved schools because of lack of suitable accommodation in the years 1960, 1961 and 1962.

Mr. Noble

It is not possible to say to what extent courts may send mentally handicapped children and young persons to approved schools because other more suitable accommodation is not available. Of the children and young persons sent to approved schools in 1960, 1961 and 1962, four, six and four respectively were subsequently transferred to mental deficiency hospitals.

Mr. J. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps have been taken and are being taken to provide suitable accommodation for mentally handicapped children and young persons who have appeared before the courts and have been convicted of offences.

Mr. Noble

Children and young persons against whom charges have been proved and who require psychiatric inpatient care may be admitted to hospital either subject to detention, if they are convicted of an offence for which they might otherwise be detained, or informally under the requirements of a probation order. I am aware that there is a shortage of suitable hospital accommodation for mental defectives in certain areas. This will be relieved by the building programme now in hand.