§ 33. Mr. Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that his decision not to inquire further into the problems of mental hospitals in Scotland has given concern to medical and administrative circles in Scotland; and whether he will now make inquiries into the question of deficiencies in staff, overcrowding and the spread of tuberculosis, which were out with the terms of the Russell Committee.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. James Stuart)Questions relating to mental health, such as those referred to by the right hon. Gentleman, which were not covered by the terms of reference of the Russell Committee, are kept constantly under review by the Scottish Health Services Council, and I do not regard any additional inquiry as being necessary.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of the people responsible for this work are distressed by the conditions which exist in these hospitals? Will he, as the Minister responsible for the conduct of these hospitals, cause inquiry to be made to see that they are being run without danger to the health and conditions under which these people have to live?
§ Mr. StuartI can assure the right hon. Gentleman that the aspects to which his Question refers are constantly under review. They are not covered, as a matter of fact, by the terms of reference of the Royal Commission set up in England, but I am quite satisfied that an official inquiry into the matter at the present time would merely cause duplication of work, because we already have the necessary information.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his answer gives the impression that he is completely satisfied? Is he aware that people who are constantly in touch with this work are not completely satisfied, and will he take steps to find out the cause of the dissatisfaction?
§ Mr. StuartI have not said that I was completely satisfied as to staffing, and so on, but I am satisfied that we have the necessary information to enable us to do the best we can.