§ Mr. CARLILE (Hertfordshire, St. Albans)I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether, seeing that the Report of the Lunacy Commissioners for 1907 states on page 5 that the rate of increase in certified lunatics was equivalent to 237.2 percent, over the figures for 1859, and that the general population increase for the same period was at the rate of 77.5 per cent., he can see his way to cause inquiries to be made as to the causes of this continued and large percentage of increase of certified lunatics.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. GLADSTONE,) Leeds, W.I beg to answer this Question on behalf of my right hon. friend. As pointed out on pages 8 and 9 of the Report of the Commissioners, there are many considerations to be borne in mind in interpreting the figures as to lunacy; and I would also call attention to the special Report of the Commissioners on the alleged increase of insanity issued in 1897. The whole question is receiving careful consideration, and the Government will no doubt receive assistance from the Report of the Royal Commission on the Feeble-Minded, which will be issued in a few days.