asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that it is the practice at the Orsett Hospital in Thur-rock, in common with many hospitals throughout the country, not to permit children to visit parents who are patients in non-contagious or surgical wards, even if the parents are confined to the wards permanently or for long periods; and what steps he proposes to take to end this practice.

My information is that children are allowed on visiting days to visit parents who are long-stay patients in this hospital. Visiting in other cases is generally discouraged in order to avoid the risk of infection, the disturbance of other patients, or causing distress to parent? or children.'

Can my right hon. Friend say when it was he got this information, and in respect of the second part of his answer, is it not a fact that many hospitals—for example, in Liverpool—prohibit visits from children and in many cases cause grave distress to parents who find themselves in hospital.

My information is of the most recent, but I certainly will make further inquiries and find out whether there are less facilities here than in other hospitals. I think the hon. Member will agree, however, that it is necessary to try to avoid infection.

indicated assent.