HC Deb 19 May 1915 vol 71 cc2330-1
74. Mr. RAFFAN

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether, in the event of wounded soldiers becoming insane, they are dealt with as pauper lunatics and conveyed to the workhouse of their place of settlement; whether remonstrances have been received from boards of guardians on the subject; and whether arrangements could be made by which such men would be dealt with by the Red Cross Society and be eligible for pensions as disabled soldiers, thus avoiding the taint of pauperisation?

Mr. TENNANT

The Department has endeavoured to prevent, as far as possible, any soldier who has served with the Expeditionary Force and who has become mentally affected being dealt with as a pauper lunatic and as such sent to a workhouse. Under present arrangements it is intended that all cases of mental disorder shall be retained in a military hospital until after the War. The present accommodation at Netley will be supplemented by a military hospital which will shortly be opened at Napsbury. Cases which, after observation, prove to be cases of mental shock or nerve strain will be sent, as I have already explained, to certain hospitals specially adapted for the treatment of such cases.

Mr. RAFFAN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are a number of cases in which these unfortunate men have been sent to a workhouse? May we take it that that will not be repeated?

Mr. TENNANT

I will inquire as to that statement.

Mr. DAVID MASON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in answer to a question I put to him yesterday he stated that the man was sent to a workhouse asylum on being discharged from the Army?

Mr. TENNANT

There is a difference between sending a man to an asylum and to a workhouse. I am not certain as to the specific instance given by the hon. Member.