§ 67. Mr. BUCKLEasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the majority of early cases of nervous breakdown cannot be proved to be dangerous or unfit to be at large, and that they are in consequence in no sense lunatics and cannot be classified among those whose treatment comes under the purview of a Royal Commission on Lunacy; and, in view of the fact that no legislation is needed in order to make provision for their benefit, will he take steps to supply without delay this need by the allocation, where desired, of a grant to the health committees, as distinct from the asylums committees, of local authorities, to enable and encourage the provision of appropriate hospitals for early cases which shall be free from detention and unconnected with lunacy administration?
Mr. GREENWOODMany early cases of mental illness are clearly certifiable under the Lunacy Act, and could not be detained for treatment, unless they were 1456 certified, without contravening the provisions of that Act. The question of providing facilities for treatment without certification will be considered by the proposed Royal Commission, and my right hon. Friend proposes to await their Report before considering what action should be taken.