§ 31. Dr. D. Johnsonasked the Minister of Health if he will extend his existing review of the after effects of frontal leucotomy cases to cover also the after effects of electro-convulsant therapy treatment.
§ Mr. TurtonNo, Sir.
§ Dr. JohnsonWhile I appreciate that electro-convulsant therapy is a valuable form of treatment, may I ask my right hon. Friend to keep in mind nevertheless that there are certain types of case for which it is not entirely suitable and certain people who do not benefit? Will he keep the situation under review?
§ Mr. TurtonYes, Sir: but this treatment has been going on for twenty years and there is no need for any special review, as there was in the case of frontal leucotomy. I have today sent my hon. Friend a reply on this matter.
§ Dr. SummerskillWill the Minister bear in mind that this treatment is in a large measure empirical? Although one appreciates the motive behind the Question which has been asked from the other side of the House, it would be dangerous if the doctors who were engaged in this work thought that the Minister of Health looked upon this treatment in an unfavourable light.
§ Mr. TurtonI entirely share the right hon. Lady's point of view.