HC Deb 15 November 1928 vol 222 cc1065-7
32. Mr. R. RICHARDSON

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the guardians of Easthampstead, Berkshire, on 27th September last in sentencing an old man named James Wilder to a diet of bread and water for one week, the withholding of leave for a year, and to other punishments; is he aware that the offences for which he was sentenced were that he had made unfounded allegations as to the infirmary, that his language was uniformly bad and on many occasions obscene, and that he had been guilty of insubordination and refractory conduct, that the complaints made by Wilder were that he had not been treated properly since his admission to the institution six and a-half years ago, that he had to wear unsuitable and dirty clothing, that there was a shortage of soap, that proper night duty had not been done by nurses since Christmas, and that the nurses had not given him proper attention; and whether, in view of this order of the guardians, an inquiry will he ordered into the matter?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

My attention has been drawn to this case. I at once communicated with the guardians and found that the punishment of reduction in dietary for one week was not being enforced. I am satisfied that the inmate's conduct was refractory within the meaning of the regulations and I see no necessity for further action on my part.

Mr. RICHARDSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a very old man? After all, he is a human being and ought to be treated as such. Will the Minister see to it that people who are in a similar position to this old man are not treated in this way?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have already informed the hon. Member that the punishment in question was not being enforced.

Captain GARRO-JONES

When complaints like this are made, is the right hon. Gentleman content to accept the representations of people against whom complaints are made, or does he make some independent inquiry?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

My first duty is in each case to refer to the guardians for their report to me.

Captain GARRO-JONES

In view of the fact that in this case the complaint is against the Board of Guardians, has the right hon. Gentleman made any independent inquiry, as obviously their report will be partial?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am astonished at that allegation.

Southward Union—(co-extensive with the borough of Southwark).
Number of persons in receipt of—
Last Saturday in Institutional relief (excluding casuals and lunatics in county and borough asylums). Domiciliary Relief. Total.
Medical Belief Only. Other Domiciliary Relief.
August, 1928 … … … 3,113 33 8,107 11,253
September, 1928 … … … 3,164 38 8,812 12,014
October, 1928 … … … 3,179 35 8,578 11,792