HC Deb 09 July 1956 vol 556 cc17-9
12. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made in the independent medical examination of Mrs. Harriet Thornton who has been detained in a mental home for over three years.

Mr. Turton

It is for the relative who applied for an independent medical examination to arrange with the selected doctors for this examination.

Mr. Dodds

When the examination has taken place, will the Minister do his best to expedite a decision, which I am certain will set Mrs. Thornton free? Will he bear in mind that, when this has been achieved, I shall be asking for a thorough investigation as to how she got into a mental home in the first place, and what justification there is for depriving her of her liberty for over three years?

Mr. Turton

This is a matter for the Board of Control and not for me. When the report on the examination is received, it has to be sent to the Board of Control consideration. It is within the power of the board to order the patient to be discharged at the expiration of ten days.

13. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement giving the reasons why Mr. Alan W. Cripps, 25, Clive Avenue, Crayford, in writing to the Board of Control on 24th April, 1956, in respect of the case of his niece, Miss Harriet Thornton, did not receive a reply until 13th June, 1956, details of which have been given to him by the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford.

Mr. Turton

I have written to the hon. Member on 4th July, and again today, explaining the reasons for this regrettable delay.

Mr. Dodds

While thanking the Minister for the splendid way in which he dealt with this case when it was brought to his attention, may I ask whether he is aware that this is not an isolated case of delay and that there is deep concern that the Board of Control is not doing the job for which it was set up, namely, to look after the interests of the individual, because more and more it seems to be moving as a machine? Not only does it lock people up, but it keeps them locked up. Will the Minister look at this matter to se whether the process cannot be humanised?

Mr. Turton

I will certainly have a look at it. This delay was most unfortunate. It was an instance where the machine broke down. Steps have been taken to guard against a recurrence of such a breakdown.