§ 58. Mr. LAWSONasked the Pensions Minister how many houses or sanatoria are provided under his Department for ex-soldiers disabled through nerve strain, but whose loss of mental balance is not such as to necessitate certification; and whether he will take steps to secure that, for the cheer and encouragement of such patients, the voluntary houses which are so greatly needed shall be kept wholly apart from lunacy administration and unconnected with the Lunacy Board?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThere the twelve special institutions, with accommodation for nearly 1,500 patients, available for the treatment of neurasthenic cases. A considerable number of beds are also reserved for such cases at other Ministry hospitals. These institutions are all under the direct control of this Ministry, and are unconnected with lunacy administration.
§ Captain REDMONDAre there any of those institutions in Ireland?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe Irish law is not the same as here. We have a Ministry institution in Ireland, although I think the accommodation is not sufficient.
§ Mr. LAWSONMay I ask if these houses are really part of the lunacy accommodation?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThose are Ministry of Pensions institutions, and have nothing whatever to do with the Board of Control.