asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the shortage of institutional accommodation available for mental defectives in the Sheffield Regional Hospital area; what improvement in the position has taken place during the last 12 months; and what are the prospects of this shortage being substantially improved in the near future.

Yes. During the last 12 months the position has been improved by the provision of accommodation for 65 more patients, and the plans of the Regional Board include provision for approximately 500 additional beds during the next three years.