asked the Minister of Health if he will conduct an inquiry into the psychological effects upon adolescent mental patients of placing them in adult wards and into the moral and physical dangers to which they are exposed.

No, Sir. Hospital authorities have already been advised that separate units are preferable for most adolescents.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the disquieting rumours that are circulating concerning assaults on young persons in adult wards? Does not he agree that it should be the policy of his Department to secure separate self-contained adolescent units in all hospitals in the future?

That is the Department's policy. I have not had brought to my attention any individual cases of exposure to moral or physical danger. If my hon. Friend has any evidence I hope that he will pass it on either to the hospital board concerned or to me.