HC Deb 29 October 1956 vol 558 cc1057-8
33. Mr. Edward Evans

asked the Minister of Health when the Royal Commission on mental health will present its Report.

41. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Health when he expects to receive the Report of the Royal Commission on Mental Illness and Mental Deficiency ; and when it will be published.

The Minister of Health (Mr. R. H. Turton)

I would refer to the reply given to the hon. Member for Erith and Cray-ford (Mr. Dodds) on 25th October.

Mr. Evans

Has the Royal Commission finished taking evidence, and do its terms of reference allow it to make recommendations about accommodation?

Mr. Turton

The Royal Commission, as I told the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford (Mr. Dodds), finished taking evidence on 27th July, 1955. I should like to see the question about the scope of its remit on the Order Paper before I gave a reply.

Dr. Summerskill

In view of the most disturbing conditions in our mental hospitals and the fact that the evidence was finished eighteen months ago, can the Minister say when he thinks that the Report will be made?

Mr. Turton

No, I cannot do that. It is a matter entirely for the Royal Commission. The right hon. Lady knows that the topic is very important and that this will be a vital Report. I understand that at the moment the Commission is collecting further information and pursuing certain inquiries preparatory to writing its Report. It would not be proper for me to intervene to hasten it.