§ Mr. Fittasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his estimate of the number of physically handicapped children and adults respectively, living in long-stay hospitals and residential homes, respectively.
§ Mr. Concannon,pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 6th July 1976; Vol. 914, c.512],gave the following information:
16 children under age 16 and 208 adults aged between 16 and 64 who are physically handicapped are receiving long-term care in hospitals. At 31st 367W December 1974, 85 adults aged between 16 and 64 who are physically handicapped were accommodated in statutory residential homes. Precise information is not available in relation to the number of physically handicapped children under age 16 in children's homes provided under childrens and young persons legislation, but the number is considered to be very small.