§ 87. Sir WILLIAM BYLESasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the protest 1690 of the Lancashire Asylums Board against soldiers and sailors who have served their country abroad and have returned home mentally deranged being discharged from the Navy or Army and sent to the asylums, and their maintenance being charged to boards of guardians as if they were pauper lunatics, and against the families of such patients having in some cases not been left with sufficient to live upon; and if he will say what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ The MINISTER of PENSIONS (Mr. Barnes)I am aware of the representations made by the Lancashire Asylums Board, and, in consultation with the Statutory Committee, I have given the question of the treatment of the unfortunate men to which the representations refer the most careful consideration. Under the provisions of the Draft Royal Warrant and Order in Council governing the administration of disability pensions, which I propose very shortly to submit to the House, I hope to effect an improvement in the existing arrangements for dealing with these cases.
§ Sir W. BYLESMay I ask for a copy of that answer? I could not hear a word.