asked the Minister for Health (a) the existing number of places for mentally handicapped persons in residential care, (b) the number created in each of the last four years, (c) the number which will be created in 1980 and in 1981, and (d) the expenditure allocated to the creation of such places in each of the last three years and the allocation for 1980.
Written Answers. - Mentally Handicapped.
185.
(a) On 31 December 1979 there were 4,678 persons in special residential centres for the mentally handicapped. In addition it is estimated that approximately 20 per cent of the 12,681 persons resident in psychiatric hospitals on 31 December 1979 were mentally handicapped. A further 377 mentally handicapped persons were placed in community based hostels.
(b) The following is a list of new residential places created in the last four years: 1976, 16; 1977, 167; 1978, 113; 1979, 144. In addition a total of 115 hostel places in the community were created in these four years.
(c) During this year it is expected that a total of 240 new residential places will be ready to come into operation. In addition it is expected that an extra ten new hostel places will be created. It is not known yet how many new residential or hostel places will be created in 1981. This will depend to a large extent on the speed with which schemes at present in building can be completed.
(d) Total capital expenditure in the mental handicap services in each of the last three years was as follows: 1977, £1,393,823; 1978, £2,151,710; 1979, £3,492,889. A part from expenditure on schemes which created new residential places which came into operation during these years the total expenditure included inter alia, (i) the cost of various improvement schemes at existing residential centres and (ii) expenditure on projects which on completion will provide new residential places. A total of some 1,200 additional residential places will be created over the next few years when the many approved schemes at present at various stages of planning and building have been completed. In regard to capital expenditure during the current year there is no specific capital allocation in respect of mental handicap services. Provision is being made, however, to meet expenditure on on-going schemes as it arises; this is estimated to by £4.2 million.