§ MR. COBBI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the fact that certain inmates of the Starcross Idiots Asylum have recently been confirmed by the Bishop of Exeter, whether any of those who were confirmed are still in the asylum; and whether any steps will be taken to ascertain their mental condition with a view to their release?
§ MR. MATTHEWSI have no official information as to the facts referred to by the hon. Member. The Lunacy Commissioners inform me that they will inquire whether any of the inmates of the Starcross Asylum are fit for discharge. It does not follow from the fact that they have been, no doubt most properly, confirmed, that it would be expedient to deprive them of the care and training which the asylum affords.
§ MR. COBBWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Bishop gave as the reason for confirming these idiots that the weakest minds were most open to religious influences?
§ MR. MATTHEWSOh, no, Sir; I have no information of that sort.