§ 55. Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to a circular letter issued by the secretary to the Royal Commission on Lunacy, intimating to those desirous of giving evidence before it that in the event of their application being turned down they will not be notified of this decision, but will be left in uncertainty for an indefinite period; and will he take steps to see that some more satisfactory procedure is adopted and, further, that a reason for rejection of the evidence shall be given, in order that the public may feel no lack of confidence in the selection of evidence made by the Commission?
Mr. GREENWOODThe hon. Member has been misinformed as to the terms of the letter to which he refers. A very large number of persons have already applied to give evidence before the Royal Commission; and, in the meantime, such persons have been informed that their applications will receive consideration, and that if the Commission decide to hear evidence from them, a further communication will be sent. I should add that the procedure of a Royal Commission is entirely within its own discretion.