HC Deb 24 June 1925 vol 185 cc1526-7
67. Mr. HADEN GUEST

asked the Minister of Health whether any special institutional treatment is available for cases of encephalitis lethargica; and whether any special homes are available for cases of children permanently damaged by this disease.

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)

My right hon. Friend is advised that no special institutional provision is required for cases of this disease in the acute stage, and that such cases may, in general, be properly admitted to isolation hospitals infirmaries or general hospitals. As regards the second part of the question, the provision of a special institution for the reception of children suffering from the after-effects of this disease, who cannot be admitted to mental hospitals, is now under consideration.

Colonel DAY

Will the hon. Gentleman give us a definition of this disease?

Sir K. WOOD

It is a distressing disease, which generally goes under the name of "sleepy sickness."

Mr. N. MACLEAN

Do the Government suffer from it?