§ 62. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health whether he has any information through the Board of Control of the 1516 treatment and cure of dementia by somnifane-narcosis, both as to the number of public mental hospitals where this treatment has been practised and as to the number of patients cured; when a report respecting this treatment, and that of cardiazal injections for schizophremia, is likely to be published by the Board of Control; and whether, in view of the great importance of experimental research into the nature, incidence and treatment of mental disorder, he will consider making direct grants for this purpose to mental hospitals?
§ Mr. ElliotIt is not proposed to issue a report on the treatment of dementia by somnifane-narcosis, but I will send the hon. Member the information that is available. The report on cardiazol treatment will be published shortly. As to the last part of the question, I am not in a position to add anything to the reply which I gave the hon. Member on 16th June.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that the introduction of these new forms of treatment has led to a large number of those suffering from mental diseases receiving fresh hope, and in view of the very great possibilities which may come from research, does he not consider that a direct grant to mental hospitals would be extremely beneficial?
§ Mr. ElliotI think the hon. Member will be interested to see the information which I am sending him. If afterwards he wishes to talk to me, I shall be very glad to discuss the subject with him.
Mr. DavidsonIs there any possibility of cases under the heading of "split mind" being treated under the Official Secrets Act, as it may involve prominent members of the Government?