HC Deb 24 November 1920 vol 135 cc422-3
38. Mr. RAPER

asked the Minister of Health whether there are any discharged sailors or soldiers suffering from loss of memory or other nervous disability in pauper lunatic asylums and/or Poor Law institutions?

The MINISTER of HEALTH (Dr-Addison)

I am afraid I have not the information for which my hon. Friend asks.

Mr. RAPER

Will the right hon. Gentleman obtain the information?

Dr. ADDISON

I have inquired into the matter, and I will do what I can to get it.

Mr. LYLE-SAMUEL

Is it not a fact that the Secretary of State for War gave the House the figures in answer to a question?

Colonel C. LOWTHER

Is it not possible to provide for proper institutions instead of sending to pauper lunatic asylums men who have lost their memory?

Dr. ADDISON

These are all Poor Law institutions.

Mr. WATERSON

Are not Poor Law institutions the result of the present system?

Mr. BILLING

Would it not be possible to call on all poor-law institutions who have got any of these men to give a return?

Dr. ADDISON

Yes, we are doing that, but it is very wide and we must give them something definite to go upon.

Lieut.-Colonel FREEMANTLE

Are not these cases dealt with in Clause 10 of the Ministry of Health Bill?

Colonel LOWTHER

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire into the matter, because it is serious?

Dr. ADDISON

I am making inquiries.