: The information sought in so far as it is available is as follows:
(i) and (iv) Physically Disabled:
Comprehensive information concerning the number of physically disabled children and adults is not available. Arrangements are being made for the compilation of detailed registers in each health board community care which will provide this information.
In so far as the physically disabled in institutions are concerned the information sought is not available. Apart from the Cheshire Homes which cater mainly for a number of the physically disabled in the younger age groups, there are no institutions which cater solely for the physically disabled. They are cared for in longstay institutions, hospitals and homes—both health board and non health board. A survey of physically disabled persons in residential care, which is under way at present, will provide the information sought.
(ii) and (iv) Mentally Handicapped:
The available information on the total number of mentally handicapped persons together with details of the numbers in institutional care are given in replies to questions Nos. 348 and 356.
(iii) Physically and Mentally Handicapped:
The 1974 National Census of the Mentally Handicapped found that 763 or 9.3 per cent of the total of 8,138 in the mild, moderate, severe and profound range of mental handicap in residential care were also non-ambulant. The census also found that 360 or 7.4 per cent of the total of 4,863 persons over the age of four in the moderate, severe and profound range of mental handicap, who were not in residential care, were also non-ambulant.
A further census of the mentally handicapped is to be undertaken in 1981 by the Medico-Social Research Board. This census will give comprehensive up-to-date information on the various categories of mentally handicapped.