HC Deb 09 March 1944 vol 397 cc2170-2
7. Mr. Foster

asked the Minister of Pensions, if he has given consideration to a resolution passed by the Lancashire Mental Hospitals Board, forwarded to him on 29th February, 1944, and whether he has any statement to make, particularly with reference to the reintroduction of the scheme operating during the last war under which Service personnel discharged from the Forces on the grounds of mental disorder, irrespective of whether they were pensionable or non-pensionable, became and remained the charge of the Ministry of Pensions.

9. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister of Pensions what reply he has tendered to the protest of the Lancashire Mental Hospital Board against the treatment meted out by his Department to members of His Majesty's Forces discharged on account of mental disability and admitted to public mental hospitals.

11. Sir Robert Young

asked the Minister of Pensions, whether he has considered the resolution passed by the Lancashire Mental Hospitals Board, which has been sent to him, regarding ex-members of His Majesty's Forces in mental hospitals; and whether he is able to make a statement concerning the request made by the Board.

17. Major Procter

asked the Minister of Pensions if he will consider the desirability of reintroducing the scheme operating during the 1914–18 war under which Service personnel discharged from the Forces on the grounds of mental disorder, irrespective of whether they were pensionable or non-pensionable, became and remained the charge of his Ministry.

Sir W. Womersley

This matter is receiving my attention and I would refer my hon. Friends to the reply to similar Questions on 7th March by the hon. Members for Blackburn (Sir W. Smiles) and Ever-ton (Mr. Kirby).

Mr. Foster

Is the Minister aware that a growing number of mental cases discharged from the Forces have to go into local hospitals, and that local authorities and the parents of the men are very much concerned about having to maintain such cases?

Sir W. Womersley

I think the hon. Member had better await my further reply on these matters. A deputation is to be received by me to-day after Questions, and perhaps the hon. Member and others interested will come along.

Mr. Rhys Davies

Will the Minister bear in mind that the complaint of the authorities is to the effect that the treatment meted out to these cases in this war is not as generous as that meted out to similar cases after the last war?

Sir W. Womersley

I am aware that that is a statement which was made by the clerk to the Lancashire County Council.