§ MR. DILLWYNasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been called to the case of the recent arrest in the New Forest of Miss Wood, a person alleged to be a lunatic; and, if so, whether such arrest was made on the ground that she is dangerous to herself or others; and whether such arrest is legal and justifiable?
MR. ASSHETON CROSSSir, my attention was called to this arrest. I immediately put myself in communication with the Lunacy Commissioners. I ascertained that the certificate which had been given did not warrant a detention in a lunatic asylum, and that it might have been amended within a period of 14 days under the statute. I further communicated with the Lunacy Commissioners, and directed that an inquiry should be made, in order that Miss Wood should be released, if they found no necessity for her detention. I am happy to say that this afternoon I have received a note saying that she has been discharged.