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defective in addition to the accommodation already being used for that purpose,
the Council decided to explore the possibility of finding a vacant site upon which
could be planned a large colony for some 1,500 defectives of both sexes and all types.
At the end of the year serious consideration was being given to a site, which appeared
to be suitable for the purpose. This site has since been acquired.
81. Beyond this, the Council had in mind that the removal of [extra-metropolitan
defectives from the Metropolitan Asylums Board's institutions (about 1,400 in
number) would provide a considerable number of beds for London cases, and, as
those institutions would be transferred to the Council on 1st April, 1930, it was
determined that every endeavour should be made after that date to secure those beds
for London cases as speedily as possible. It is, perhaps, proper to mention here
that the Council is being severely handicapped in its efforts to provide institutional
care for its cases, on account of the failure of many extra-metropolitan local
authorities to provide institutional accommodation for their own cases (see par. 46,
ante).
82. During 1929 a further step was taken to increase, though in a small measure,
the accommodation required for defectives in need of institutional care. Enquiries
were instituted with a view to finding a property suitable for use as a hostel for
male defectives. The need for such a hostel has long been apparent. While the
hostels at Hollywood Lodge (attached to The Manor) and the South Side Home,
in addition to the Eagle House hostel (where beds are available under contract)
afford an outlet for the training of female defectives suitable for domestic service,
the only places for male defectives are found at the Royal hostel, Elstead (available
under contract) and in country homes, under single care, through the agencies of
the Brighton Guardianship Society and the Central Association for Mental
Welfare. Many more male cases than these agencies can absorb might be transferred
usefully to a hostel if one existed and the number of such cases doubtless
will increase when the Council has to deal with defectives hitherto provided for
under the poor law. An arrangement has been found to be possible, but its completion
falls within the period to be covered by a subsequent report.
Contributions towards expenses of maintenance of defectives in institutions or under
guardianship.
83. The following statement shows for the year ended 31st December, 1929,
how the Council discharged the duty of making recovery, where possible, of such
contributions as were available in relief of the expenses of maintaining defectives
in institutions or under guardianship:—
Table 8.
(1)
Cases under
contribution.
(2)
Amount outstanding
at 1st
January, 1929.
(3)
Sum
accrued.
(4)
Sum
collected.
(6)
Percentape
of sum collected
to
sum due.
(6)
Sum written
off.
(7)
Sum
outstanding.
1,733
£
1,549
s.
11
d.
10
£
10,728
s.
14
d.
6
£
10,347
s.
3
d.
8
84.27
£
614
s.
4
d.
4
£
1,316
s.
18
d.
4

Metropolitan
Asylums
Board's
institutions.
Proposed
hostel for
male defectives.
Number of
cases under
contribution
and amounts
collected.
Legal proceedings
to
enforce payment.