§ 24. Mr. GOLDSTONEasked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the number of soldiers who have been discharged to their homes, still suffering or not thoroughly recovered from injuries to their nervous system caused either by wounds or shell shock, who, from want of an institution where they can get expert diagnosis and skilful treatment, suffer a relapse and eventually become certifiably insane; and whether he will direct the Statutory Committee to give attention to the need for such an institution?
§ 29. Mr. MACMASTERasked the Minister of Munitions what provision is made for the care and medical treatment of discharged soldiers and sailors in the rank and file who have become disabled for service by reason of nervous shock; and specially whether any facilities exist except such as are under lunacy control?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERThis question should have been addressed to me as representing the Statutory Committee. Perhaps I may be allowed to answer at the same time Question No. 29, addressed to 1402 the Minister of Munitions by the hon. Member for the Chertsey Division. The Statutory Committee are giving very careful consideration to the question of institutions or some alternative treatment for uncertifiable nerve-shaken soldiers. I am informed that under the arrangements made by the War Office such men are retained in military hospitals as long as they require specialist medical in-patient treatment.
§ Mr. GOLDSTONEHas the right hon. Gentleman observed that my question is directed to men who have been discharged and who, therefore, are men over whom the War Office has no jurisdiction?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERI have already informed my hon. Friend that the Statutory Committee are giving very careful consideration to alternative methods of treating these cases.