§ 16. Major Nieldasked the Minister of Health if he will consider granting a free issue of tobacco or cigarettes to such patients in mental hospitals under the Board of Control as are allowed to smoke.
§ Mr. WillinkThe question of a free issue of tobacco and cigarettes to patients in a mental hospital is one for the visiting committee of the institution and I am not empowered to give any direction in the matter.
§ Major NieldIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware of the very real 2064 hardship to these unfortunate people who may be inveterate smokers?
§ Mr. WillinkNo, Sir; if any case of real hardship such as my hon. and gallant Friend suggests were brought to my notice I should bring it to the notice of the proper authorities.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that to say that these cigarettes or tobacco are given free, is quite misleading, because the mental hospital has to pay for them?
§ Mr. ReakesIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that in one mental hospital in Cheshire no such complaint as that exists?