62. Mr. E. HARVEYasked the Secretary of Stats for the Home Department whether, during each of the years 1914–15 and 1915–16, over 200 prisoners were certified as mentally defective whilst in prison; and what special provision was made for them during their imprisonment and on their discharge?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe number certified to be mentally defective in the two years mentioned were 248 and 204 respectively. During imprisonment they were treated under the special Regulations laid down for such prisoners. In each case the certificate of mental defect was sent to the Board of Control, with whom, together with the local authorities, rests the responsibility for dealing with these cases on discharge.
63. Mr. HARVEYasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the statement of the Prison Commissioners in their Report of 1916 that receptions to prison are now for the most part confined to the physically and mentally weak; and whether any modification in prison methods and regulations has been made to meet this situation?
§ Sir G. CAVEOwing to the War the number of able-bodied men received in prison has been much reduced, leaving a larger proportion, not a larger actual number, of physically or mentally weak. There has been no general increase of physically or mentally defective prisoners, and no modification is necessary on this ground in the prison methods and regulations, which already provide for appropriate treatment of these cases.
Mr. HARVEYIs there a differentiation in the case of men who are physically defective from those who are mentally defective?
§ Sir G. CAVECertainly.
64. HARVEYasked whether the Prison Commissioners have taken any steps as yet to segregate and give special treatment to mentally defective and to physically defective prisoners; and, if not, whether, in view of the fact that seventeen prisons are now empty, steps will be taken to set apart special accommodation for such cases?
§ Sir G. CAVEProvision is made at all prisons for segregation and special treatment of mentally defective persons. Physically defective prisoners are employed, if fit for work, according to their capacity; if unfit for any work, they receive suitable treatment in hospital, or otherwise, as the medical officer directs. There has been no need to use any of the empty prisons for the segregation of these cases.
Mr. HARVEYWould not the special treatment be far more effective if they could be dealt with in special institutions, as they do need a special type of treatment and a special staff?
§ Sir G. CAVEThey receive a special type of treatment from medical officers who are well experienced.