HC Deb 20 April 1943 vol 388 cc1534-5
45. Captain Duncan

asked the Prime Minister what steps are taken by the Service Departments when they discharge men on grounds of neurosis or mental instability to inform the civil authorities of the facts of each case; and what steps do the civil authorities take to protect such men from the consequences of actions for which they may not be responsible on account of the state of their minds?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill)

A scheme is at present being developed by which any man or woman discharged from any of the three Services on grounds of neurosis or temporary instability who appears likely to need social service care can receive it. This may imply medical treatment, the finding of suitable work or other help. The discharged man will at his own request be put in touch with a suitable civilian social agency. Work of this type has already been done informally, but it is hoped in future to make it much more widely available. The Ministry of Pensions is fully informed of the facts relating to all discharges and arranges continuance of hospital treatment where necessary. It is neither desirable nor legally correct to notify medical facts about individuals who are discharged to civil authorities in any automatic way.

Captain Duncan

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the numbers of men involved already run into thousands and that the problem is daily growing more urgent? In view of those facts, will he press on this new scheme at the earliest possible moment? Further, can he tell me under whose auspices it will be run—the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Pensions or the Ministry of Labour?

The Prime Minister

The greater part of my hon. and gallant Friend's supplementary Question has already been dealt with in my answer. I regret to say that I am not apprised of the answer to the last part, but I will ascertain that.

Mr. Rhys Davies

May I ask the Prime Minister, in anything he does in connection with these very tragic cases, to bear in mind that the vast majority of cases of men discharged from the Forces owing to neurosis, where there is no pension, are known to the separate health insurance societies? Further, is he aware that there already exist mental welfare associations connected with local authorities?

The Prime Minister

I think my answer shows that we are treating this in a sympathetic manner and that active developments will be pursued.