§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, having regard to the fact that in the year 1970 there were 437 mentally handicapped admissions into hospital at the rate of 246 per 100,000 of population 429W in Tower Hamlets, and 579 at the rate of 234 per 100,000 of population in Newham, that by the end of 1971 the figures had increased to 631 at a rate of 383 per 100,000 of population in Tower Hamlets and 995 at a rate of 421 per 100,000 in Newham and that since then there have been further increases, he will set up an inquiry to establish the reasons why these large increases have occurred; what are the exact figures for each year since 1971; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergFrom 1976 to 1979 the numbers of admissions to mental handicap hospitals and units in England from the Tower Hamlets and Newham health districts were as follows:
No. of Admissions Rate/100,000 Home Population Tower Hamlets 1976 11 7 1977 14 9 1978 9 6 1979 12 8 Newham 1976 14 6 1977 23 10 1978 37 16 1979 32 14 Comparable figures prior to 1976 are not readily available, and could be produced only at disproportionate cost. For further information the hon. Member may like to consult the City and East London area health authority (teaching).