HC Deb 26 February 1931 vol 248 cc2278-9
58. Mr. LOVAT-FRASER

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the case of Ivor Clifford Thompson and Ronald James Thompson, of Milford Haven, who, after a conviction for stealing a bicycle, were committed to a mental institution as mentally deficient; and if he will take steps to inquire into the mental condition of the boys?

Mr. GREENWOOD

The two persons named were undergoing detention in Swansea Prison when they were certified by two qualified medical practitioners to be feeble-minded, but owing to the inability of the local authority to provide institutional accommodation or appropriate guardianship, they have not been dealt with under the Mental Deficiency Act.

Mr. LOVAT-FRASER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the reasons given for adjudging the younger of these boys to be mentally deficient was that when asked "Who is Mr. Lloyd George?" he replied, "A big Labour leader"?

HON. MEMBERS

Quite true.