49. Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to cases which have occurred from time to time in recent years in which mentally-deranged people who would ordinarily be under restraint have, owing to the liberty allowed them, committed suicide; whether he is aware that in some of these cases doctors and magistrates have refused to sign certificates owing to their fear of possible legal pro- 1511 ceedings; and whether he will appoint a Departmental Committee to consider and advise whether any amendment of the law relating to the certification of lunatics is desirable?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. But my right hon. Friend sees no necessity for the appointment of a Departmental Committee to consider the matter, as the Royal Commission on Lunacy reported upon difficulties of this kind and made a recommendation for an amendment of the law.
§ Sir K. WOODI cannot say.