§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what study she has made of the reports provided by parents of children at the Bee-croft Hill School, Cannock: and if she will take steps to improve the provision of day care facilities and short stay care centres for severely mentally handicapped children over the age of 16 years in this area.
449W
§ Dr. OwenThe reports are being considered in my Department and by the health and local authorities concerned. I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible about the situation in Cannock.
§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will take steps to improve the provision of day care facilities and short stay care hostels for severely mentally handicapped children over the age of 16 years in order to reduce the number of these children permanently hospitalised and increase the number normally living at home.
§ Dr. OwenWe accept that more facilities of this kind are needed. The speed at which they can be provided is a question of fitting this and other priority needs into the limited resources available.