HC Deb 13 November 1919 vol 121 cc480-1
7. Mr. HOUSTON

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that discharged soldiers suffering from mental derangement produced by wounds or shellshock are at present inmates of the pauper lunatic asylum at Rainhill, Lanca- shire; by what authority they were sent there and treated as pauper lunatics; and whether he can arrange that such men shall be transferred from the Bainhill Pauper Lunatic Asylum to suitable hospitals or homes where they will receive special treatment with a view to their recovery?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I am aware of the fact stated in the first part of the question. The men to whom the hon. Member refers are, however, not treated as pauper lunatics, but as private patients, the cost of their maintenance and of the special privileges which private patients enjoy being borne by the Ministry of Pensions.

Mr. HOUSTON

But does my right hon. Friend realise the distress, and the humiliation that this supposed stigma of pauperism inflicts upon men and their relatives, and will he take effective measures to dispel this belief?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I hope my hon. Friend's question may help to dispel it, and I am glad to repeat that they are not treated as pauper patients at all, but they are treated as private paying patients, and they are paid for out of pension funds.

Mr. HOUSTON

But the fact that they are sent to a pauper lunatic asylum gives the impression that they are so treated.

Sir L. WORTHINGTON - EVANS

That is a superficial impression which I hope will be removed. It is not possible for the Ministry of Pensions to start asylums all over the country, and if we do not use those already existing, friends of the men will be deprived of visiting places near their homes.

Mr. HOUSTON

But does my right hon. Friend realise that the object of my question is to remove this strong impression?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON - EVANS

I am obliged to my hon. Friend.