§ 41. Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she will carry out a survey into or make an estimate of the number of adult mentally handicapped persons in need of hostel, community home or other residential sheltered accommodation in each county of England and Wales.
§ Dr. OwenA mentally handicapped person's need for residential accommodation depends on the extent to which support facilities are available. In general local authorities are reasonably well informed about the numbers and needs of severely mentally handicapped people in their areas and I do not think that a general survey on the lines suggested would be appropriate at the present time. Very detailed surveys carried out in limited areas have played and will continue to play an important part in developing national policy.