§ 5. Mr. KINGasked the Pensions Minister whether, with a view to keeping dis- 140 charged soldiers under treatment and control until fully cured, it is proposed to provide institutions in which they will be placed under the care of a committee or of officials consisting largely of lunacy experts; and, if so, how many beds are contemplated in such institutions?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Sir A. Griffith-Boscawen)I presume that the lion. Member refers to men discharged from service on account of neurasthenia. If so, I may remind the hon. Member that I have no power to keep discharged men "under control," but I am providing institutions in which the severer cases of neurasthenia may be suitably treated. Two such institutions have already been opened, and others will be ready for occupation shortly. I am advised, however, that the milder cases of neurasthenia should not be retained in institutions, and that to place these cases under the care of lunacy experts, as suggested by the hon. Member, would not be in the interests of the patients.
§ Mr. HOGGECan the hon. Gentleman tell us what progress has been made with the removal of neurasthenic cases from the raid area in London?
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENOne of the new institutions is in the raid area, but none of the others now being got ready will be in that area. When we have got provision outside we shall consider the advisability of moving the present institution.