asked the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of hospital beds in Wales are occupied by mental patients; and what proportion of total hospital spending on (a) current and (b) capital account are devoted to mental hospitals.

Of every seven available hospital beds in Wales two are occupied by mental patients. In 1975–76, 18·5 per cent. of all non-capital expenditure and 5·8 per cent. of capital expenditure was devoted to mental hospitals.