§ 67. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the fact that the admissions to mental institutions in Scotland of persons over 70 years of age has risen from 256 in 1934 to 306 in 1935 and to 345 in 1936; whether he has considered these figures in relation to the inadequacy of the old age pension of 10s. per week; and whether he has any statement to make relative to the matter?
The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Wedderburn)The number of admissions to mental institutions in Scot land of persons over 70 years of age has varied from year to year, and no such deduction can, I think, properly be drawn from the numbers relating to the years quoted in the question. I am not aware of a connection between the rate of old age pensions and the number of persons admitted into mental institutions.
§ Mr. GibsonHas the Minister noted that it is only in this particular age group that there has been an increase and that in the lower age groups there has been a decrease in every one of them?
Mr. WedderburnI cannot accept any deductions from the years which the hon. and learned Member has selected. In 1930 the number was 320 and in 1933 it was 286, and I think we ought to expect the figures to fluctuate considerably from year to year.
§ Mr. GibsonDoes not the hon. Gentleman associate this particular increase with the rise in the cost of foodstuffs during these last three years, and does he note the fact with regard to the lower age groups there has not been an increase?
Mr. WedderburnIf the hon. and learned Member applied that reasoning to 1930, the reverse conclusion could be drawn.
§ Mr. GallacherIf the Minister had to live on 10s. a week, how long would he remain out of a mental institution?