HC Deb 16 July 1956 vol 556 cc849-50
44. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Health, in view of the independent medical examination of Mrs. Harriet Thornton, who has been detained in a mental home for the past three years, if he can yet state when she is to be discharged.

Mr. Turton

The result of the medical examination has not yet been reported to the Board of Control.

Mr. Dodds

Since Mrs. Thornton has been examined on two different occasions by two doctors, how long is it anticipated it will be before a decision is reached when the result of that examination can be taken to the Board of Control, because this lady is getting very anxious?

Mr. Turton

That is a matter for the Board of Control. The Board of Control may order a patient to be discharged at the expiration of ten days from the date of authorisation of the independent medical examination. That ten days had already elapsed on 9th July, and, therefore, it will be at the discretion of the Board to order a discharge after receiving the result of the examination; but it is entirely in the discretion of the Board.

Mr. H. A. Price

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. May I raise a point of order arising out of this Question and a Question on 2nd July when, in a supplementary question, the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford (Mr. Dodds) referred to a cruel husband who wanted to get rid of an unwanted wife. …"—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 2nd July, 1956; Vol. 555, c. 987.] It so happens that the husband in this case is a constituent of mine and I should like to read a short letter I have received from him as the basis of the point I want to raise.

Mr. Speaker

Order. I could not allow that now. This is a matter of fact; it is not a point of order at all.