asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the continued shortage of suitable hospital accommodation for mental defective children in County Durham; and what further action he is taking to provide increased facilities within the county or to accommodate these children elsewhere.

Yes. The regional hospital board has provided since 1948 246 additional beds in Durham of which 120 have been specially provided for children. A further 143 beds are under construction, some of which will enable other beds to be used for children in the county.