22. Mr. G IBBINSasked the Minister of Pensions what proportion of the 26,000 in receipt of treatment with allowances are inmates of mental institutions; what is the number of chronic cases which have been more or less under treatment since discharge; and whether, particularly in the case of neurasthenics, he will consider the possibility of awarding a good life pension, and release the men from treatment?
§ Major TRYONAbout 6,600 of the total number of cases under treatment are inmates of mental institutions. Apart from this class of case, there are a substantial number of men who have received prolonged periods of treatment since their discharge. Many of them, e.g., those suffering from paraplegia or severe cases of wound and injury, require constant medical attention and skilled nursing. Others, although happily not in this condition, are. in accordance with medical advice, receiving prolonged institutional treatment and cure, combined where possible with occupation. It is not the intention of the Ministry that cases should indefinitely or unnecessarily remain in an institution, and where it is considered by my medical advisers that any case can more suitably be dealt with by discharge from institutional care, with an appropriate rate of pension, this course is adopted.
§ Mr. THURTLEDoes that reply apply to cases at Saltash?
§ Major TRYONYes. We do not want to give up hope of curing these men if we can.