HC Deb 09 March 1920 vol 126 cc1095-6
25. Mr. HOUSTON

asked the Secretary for War whether he can state the number of soldiers who during the War have become totally deaf through shell-shock or other causes; and whether institutions will be provided for these men to be taught lip reading and useful occupations, on the lines of St. Dunstan's Hospital for the Blind, so that they may be enabled to earn their livelihood?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

I have been asked to reply to this question. The number of the totally deaf cannot be stated, but approximately 30,000 men have been pensioned for deafness of greater or less degree. Medical Boards are instructed to recommend a course of tuition in lip-reading where the degree of deafness is such as to render this desirable. Lip-reading classes are held in London at the Ministry's Aural Clinic (28, Park Cresent, Regent's Park), and at 30 other centres throughout the country.

31. Mr. LAWSON

asked if he will state how many houses or hospitals are provided under his Department for uncertifiable cases of loss of mental balance occurring among soldiers; where are these houses situated; what is the accommodation in each; and whether it is still the policy of the War Office to retain these cases of nerve strain under military control in so-called war hospitals staffed by lunacy officials and lunacy attendants?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I assume the hon. Member is referring to accommodation for cases of mental disorder. Soldiers suffering from nerve strain are not sent to war (mental) hospitals unless the condition of the patient constitutes actual mental disorder, but are treated in neurological hospitals or neurological sections of general hospitals. There is one hospital for eases of mental disorder, namely: Lord Derby's War Hospital, at Winwick, Warrington. There are 1,000 beds in the hospital, and the number of patients at present is 741. It is still the policy to retain such cases in the hospital until they are cured, if this seems likely to occur. Otherwise, they are discharged to the care of their friends, or to appropriate institutions.