HC Deb 23 July 1925 vol 186 cc2380-1
14. Sir FRANK NELSON

asked the Minister of Pensions whether suitable provision is and has been made by the Ministry for the 5,000 ox service men who are housed in institutions for the mentally deranged; whether he has any official reports showing that the sanity of any of these men is being endangered by their confinement under pauper conditions in lunatic asylums; and. if so, what action he proposes to take thereon?

Major TRYON

Provision is made in mental hospitals in the various counties and boroughs, by my Department, for rather more than 6,000 ex-service men whose mental condition has been accepted as either due to or aggravated by Great War service. They are classified as "Service patients," which places them on the legal footing of private patients.

My Department is in possession of reports on each Service patient, regularly forwarded by its own inspectors, and I am in a position to state that in no single case is there the smallest reason for suggesting that they are not receiving every appropriate care.

The appeal by the Ex-Service Welfare Society to the charitable public for funds for this object which I understand has been circulated to Members of this House is therefore unjustified, and I regret to hear that it has been expressed (as on former occasions) in such a manner as to cause unnecessary distress and anxiety to the relatives of those whose mental affliction is due to the War.

It is a misstatement that the sanity of any of these unfortunate men is being endangered by confinement under pauper conditions. The conditions of treatment are those laid down by law and not only is the treatment and maintenance defrayed by my Department, but allowances are being paid in respect of each man and his family.

Mr. LANSBURY

Would it not be possible for, say, half a dozen Members of this House to go down to one or two of these institutions and see for themselves whether the men complain?

Major TRYON

I cannot speak for the Control Boards who are responsible, but I should think that such a visit would do nothing but good. I have myself visited such institutions without warning. I have walked straight into the asylums to see how the men are getting on, and have found everything satisfactory.

Mr. TURTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that any Member of this House would be welcomed by myself as Chairman of the North Riding Mental Hospital, and that I would give every possible facility for investigations, and would show the hon. Member for Bow and Bromley (Mr. Lansbury) the greatest courtesy if he would only come?

Major TRYON

I am sure that that is so.