HC Deb 25 June 1975 vol 894 cc147-8W
Mr. Ronald Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many places are available in Preston for mentally handicapped school leavers; and what plans there are to improve the facilities for the mentally handicapped in the Preston district.

Dr. Owen

Eighty places at the adult training centre, Deepdale. I am informed that Lancashire County Council is planning to increase the number of places available in the district by building extensions to the adult training centres at Chorley and Bamber Bridge and a new 80-place centre in Preston.

Mr. Ronald Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average stay of trainees at the Deep-dale mentally handicapped adult training centre.

Dr. Owen

Currently six years three months.

Mr. Ronald Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many adults pass through the mentally handicapped training centres in Preston.

Dr. Owen

87 attend daily, of whom five joined in the year ended 31st March 1975, replacing five who left in that year.

Mr. Ronald Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the net cost of training mentally handicapped adults in Preston in the last financial year; and how this cost compares with the cost of the three preceeding years;

(2) how many centres in Preston exist exclusively as sheltered workshops for mentally-handicapped adults;

(3) how many centres there are in Preston which are exclusively used for the training of mentally-handicapped adults;

(4) what is the net cost of sheltered workshop facilities in Preston for the last financial year; and how this compares with the three preceeding years.

Dr. Owen

The only such centre in Preston is the adult training centre, Deepdale, where both activities are conducted. Figures of cost in 1974–75 are not readily available. Actual expenditure on both activities together was £29,090 in 1973–74, £23,760 in 1972–73 and £21,330 in 1971–72. Figures for each activity separately are not available.