§ MR. RANKIN (Hereford, Leominster)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is usual that near relatives of persons found lunatic by inquisition should be appointed acting Committees, whose reversionary interest in the lunatic's property may give rise to antagonistic motives and family differences prejudicially affecting the recovery and welfare of the lunatic and his chance of procuring a supersedeas; and whether a Return of the numbers of any such cases at present existing under the control of the Lunacy Commissioners can be made to this House?
§ *THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. MATTHEWS, Birmingham, E.)I am informed by the Lord Chancellor that it is frequently the case that near relatives of persons found lunatic by inquisition are appointed acting Committees; they are in most cases the best appointments that can be made, and not seldom the only possible Committees. The Masters in Lunacy, and the Judges who exercise jurisdiction in such matters, are well aware of the difficulties naturally inherent in the selection of these Committees, and they are most careful in making the appointments. It would not be desirable, having regard to the delicate personal considerations involved in these cases, to make such a Return as is proposed, but if any particular case should give occasion to doubts in the mind of my hon. Friend as to the welfare of any particular person, full inquiry will at once be made.