HC Deb 19 April 1971 vol 815 cc355-6W
Dr. Stuttaford

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what provision at present is being made in Norwich and Norfolk for hostel accommodation for mentally handicapped patients; and what proportion of the cost of this provision is to be met from the funds of the local authority and what proportion by the regional hospital board.

Mr. Alison

Norfolk County Council has at present one hostel of 25 places for adults and one of 12 places for children, and plans to provide two further adult hostels with a total of 50 places and two further children's hostels with a total of 36 places in the next three years. Norwich County Borough has no hostel provision, and none is planned. The regional hospital board has two hostel-type units in the Norwich area with a total of 109 places for adults: it has no immediate plans for additional places. My Department is to have early discussions with the Norwich County Borough and the regional hospital board on their mental health services.