HC Deb 02 July 1956 vol 555 c981
26. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Health when Mrs. Harriet Thornton, who has been detained in a mental home, is to he given her freedom; and if an arrangement has yet been made for an independent medical examination of Mrs. Thornton.

Mr. Turton

An independent medical examination was authorised on 29th June. The hon. Member will appreciate that, in these circumstances, I cannot add to this reply.

Mr. Dodds

Does the Minister appreciate that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding an order to deprive this woman of her liberty for over three years will reveal how easy it is under our slapdash mental laws for a cruel husband to get rid of an unwanted wife as in this case?