§ 27. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Health how many people were detained under the Mental Deficiency Acts on 31st December, 1955, in whose cases the circumstances rendering them subject to be dealt with were that they were found neglected; and how many of these cases have been reviewed by the Board of Control since the judgment in the case of Regina v. Board of Control, ex-parte Ruthy.
§ Mr. TurtonThe information is not available in the form requested. In response to inquiries made in February and March of this year by the Board of Control, 5,732 mentally defective patients 20 were reported as having been found neglected by a judicial authority and dealt with under the Mental Deficiency Acts whilst in the care of public or charitable bodies. About 2,000 cases have been reviewed to date.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that this is a serious position in which it appears that detention has in fact been illegal? If on review these cases are to be released, is any provision to be made of alternative accommodation for them?
§ Mr. TurtonWhether they were properly found neglected is a legal matter in which I cannot interfere. They have been brought to me or to my predecessors on justices' orders as found neglected, and it is my duty to take care of them. I am making a review of the cases, especially those out on licence. Of the 536 licensed cases, 330 have been discharged to date.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWould not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is urgently necessary, in view of the comments of the Lord Chief Justice on the comparable case, that they should be as quickly reviewed as possible and that alternative accommodation should be provided for these cases?
§ Mr. TurtonI think the hon. Member is confusing two issues. I cannot look into the legal question. What I think is important is that the Board of Control should review all these cases as quickly as possible, particularly those on licence In fact, it has already reviewed 2,000 cases and I have given the results of the review.