Mr. CleilandTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what was the total number of mentally handicapped people over the age of 18 years who were cared for in hospitals and homes run by health authorities in England and Wales prior to 16 March;
(2) what is the total number of mentally handicapped people over the age of 18 years currently cared for in health authority hospitals and homes in England and Wales.
§ Mrs. CurrieOn 31 December 1986, the latest date for which information is available centrally, there were 30,652 patients aged over 18 years resident in NHS mental handicap hospitals and hospital units in England, and 2,140 mentally handicapped people aged over 18 years resident in NHS community units in England. Figures for Wales are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.