HC Deb 19 June 1947 vol 438 cc2208-10
34. Mr. George Wallace

asked the Minister of Health if he will review, with a view to early amendment, the regulations regarding the certification of the insane.

Mr. Bevan

As soon as opportunity permits, it is intended to undertake a restatement of the law relating to mental treatment.

Mr. Wallace

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his statement will give some satisfaction to the people who are feeling seriously concerned about this matter?

Mr. Awbery

Is the Minister aware that it is almost impossible for a person who has been certified to get release even when he has recovered from his sickness—

Mr. Speaker

That is another question and has nothing to do with this one.

Mr. Hector Hughes

In considering this matter, will the Minister take into account not only the original certification, but also the duration of the sickness and recovery, for the purpose of release of the people concerned, because there have been several cases of abuse?

Mr. Bevan

There is a large body of information and evidence on this subject and, of course, it will all be taken into account when the regulations are being prepared.

Mr. Awbery

Is the Minister aware that a person who has been certified finds it almost impossible to get release even when he has recovered from his sickness, and that even after the visiting magistrates have recommended release, it takes six months before the patient is released from the institution, and then only with a six months' licence?

Mr. Bevan

I am afraid I cannot accept what appears on the face of that supplementary question and I would warn hon. Members that this is a very difficult thing indeed and they ought not to take things at their face value, because there is such pressure on institutions for additional accommodation that I cannot believe that superintendents keep anybody there longer than is necessary.

35. Mr. G. Wallace

asked the Minister of Health if he will set up a committee of inquiry into the conduct and administration of institutions and hospitals for the mentally deficient.

Mr. Bevan

These institutions and hospitals (which for the most part will be taken over in the new Health Service) are subject to regular inspection, and I am not aware of the necessity for setting up a committee of inquiry. If, however, my hon. Friend has in mind any particular institution or hospital in regard to which he considers that inquiry is necessary, I will look into the matter.

Sir Ralph Glyn

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the overcrowding now existing in a great many of these places, and the difficulty of building, whether he will have a survey made to show the bad effect which this overcrowding has on the patient?

Mr. Bevan

I am well aware of that, and I think hon. Members will know that even if we had additional buildings, we would not be able to make use of them, because we have not enough staff. When the new Health Service is in operation, I hope we shall be able to make far better use of existing accommodation.

Sir Ernest Graham-Little

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult the Board of Control on this matter before making any fresh arrangements??

Mr. Bevan

I think the hon. Gentleman can take it for granted that the Board of Control were consulted before this reply was drafted.

Mr. Lipson

In view of the general concern over this matter, may I ask the Minister if he can give an assurance to this House that the report he has received from his inspectors will not justify any serious cause for anxiety in regard to the conditions in the majority of these institutions?

Mr. Bevan

I am well aware, as hon. Members are aware, that conditions in these institutions are not anything like as good as we would like them to be, and it is because of the overcrowding of accommodation and the lack of nursing and domestic staff. We are doing our utmost to build up the staffs, and we are having some success.