HC Deb 22 May 1939 vol 347 cc1921-2
51. Mr. T. Williams

asked the Minister of Health how many local authorities and voluntary institutions let out mental deficients under guardianship for work on farms; who is responsible for deciding the number of hours to be worked, and the wages paid; and whether these local authorities and institutions are made aware of the conditions of employment?

Mr. Bernays

Arrangements for mental defectives to be sent out on licence to work on farms are made by the medical superintendent of the institution with the concurrence of two members of the Committee of Management. They are responsible for seeing that the conditions of employment are suitable, and it is their duty to keep themselves informed of the circumstances under which the defective

is working. I am not in a position to state the number of institutions, whether provided by local authorities or voluntary bodies, which have made such arrangements.

Mr. Lipson

Does not my hon. Friend agree that a great many mentally defective people in institutions could be allowed out in this way if adequate guardianship could be provided, and will the Government do everything they can to encourage the employment of such people on the land?

Mr. Bernays

Yes, Sir.