§ 33. Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Minister of Health how many voluntary hoarders entered licensed houses and registered hospitals, respectively, in England and Wales during the year 1921; how many left of their own accord in each case without being certified; and whether any protection is afforded by the Lunacy Act for voluntary boarders in registered hospitals against the risk of finding themselves certified without their knowledge of such certification?
§ Sir A. MONDThree hundred and fifteen voluntary boarders entered licensed houses and 330 entered registered hospitals in 1921. During that year 194 voluntary boarders left licensed houses and 227 left registered hospitals of their own accord. Unless a patient is suffering from mental disorder of so acute a character that he is unable to appreciate what is taking place it is practically impossible for him to be certified without his knowledge, as the hon. Member will see by referring to the procedure laid down by Sections 4, 8 and 28 of the Lunacy Act, 1890.
§ Mr. RICHARDSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that people are being 446 certified for lunacy who know nothing about it? Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire?
§ Sir A. MONDUnless the patient's mental condition is such that he is unable to appreciate what is taking place, it is impossible for him to he certified without his knowledge.