§ 53. Captain WATERHOUSEasked the Minister of Pensions what general instructions, if any, have been issued to officials with a view to cutting down the number of patients receiving treatment in neurasthenic clinics?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Lieut.-Colonel Stanley)The general instruc- 31 tions in force are issued with the object of securing that all patients who require it receive appropriate and efficient treatment. The operation of the neurological clinics is under the general supervision of the Deputy-Commissioner of Medical Services for neurological cases, who is a specialist and is responsible for seeing that the treatment carried out at the various clinics is both necessary and satisfactory.
§ 54. Captain WATERHOUSEasked the Minister of Pensions if he is aware that the Deputy-Commissioner of Medical Service, Neurological, from the Ministry of Pensions, Birmingham, visited Leicester on Monday, 23rd November; that he here saw 12 men and in 11 cases stopped their treatment; that in at least two cases the men were not examined and their discharge was contrary to the advice of the medical officer in charge of the Leicester Neurasthenic Clinic; and will he inquire into this case?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY; From the information I have been able to obtain at such short notice, it would appear that the facts have not been correctly stated to my hon. and gallant Friend, but I am calling for a full report and will communicate further with him.
§ Captain WATERHOUSECan we have an assurance that full inquiry will be made into these serious allegations?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYUntil we have the report I cannot say what steps we can take, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the Minister is determined to probe this matter to the bottom.