HC Deb 04 February 1926 vol 191 cc301-2
36. Mr. ERSKINE

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the ever-in-creasing numbers of mentally deficient persons in this country, he will set up a Committee to inquire into and report on the best means of dealing with the problem, whether by resorting to sterilisation or otherwise?

The MINISTER of HEALTH (Mr. Neville Chamberlain)

The incidence of mental defect is at present being investigated by an expert committee of representatives of the Board of Education, the Board of Control, and others. I will give careful consideration to the hon. Member's suggestion, but I am not at present in a position to give any undertaking in the matter.

Mr. N. MACLEAN

Will the Minister of Health watch this matter carefully? Otherwise, if he puts it into operation, he may lose the services of the hon. Member?