HC Deb 14 March 1910 vol 15 c7
Mr. PICKERSGILL

asked in how many cases had the Lord Chancellor empowered the chairman of the board of guardians of a union (in lieu of a justice of the peace) to sign orders for the reception of persons as pauper lunatics in institutions for lunatics, in pursuance of Section 25 of the Lunacy Act, 1891; what are the names of the unions in which this has been done; and in how many cases has such an application been made to the Lord Chancellor and refused?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The Secretary of State is informed by the Lord Chancellor that he has given authority to chairmen of boards of guardians, under Section 25 of the Lunacy Act, 1891, on thirty-four occasions since the Act came into force. The names of the unions in which this has been done are as follows:—South Stoneham, Leek, North Bierley, Penistone, Hartismere, Carnarvon, Blaby, Leighton Buzzard (two orders made), Wolstanton and Burslem (two orders), Chorlton-upon-Medlock (six orders), Isle of Thanet (two orders), West Ham (eleven orders), Thetford, Preston, Sculcoates (two orders). In thirty-four cases, on inquiries being made, the application has not been proceeded with, or the Lord Chancellor has been satisfied that there was no sufficient reason for giving authority under the Section.