§ 40. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Health if he will state what decision has been reached in the case of Mrs. Harriet Thornton, who was certified and sent to Cane Hill Mental Hospital, Coulsdon, three and a half years ago.
§ Mr. TurtonOn the application of her uncle, this lady was discharged to his care by order of the hospital management committee on 25th October, 1956, under Section 79 of the Lunacy Act, 1890. Under that Section a patient may be discharged upon the undertaking of a relative or friend that he or she will be properly taken care of.
§ Mr. DoddsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that that wonderful news is the end of a three and a half year nightmare? Does he also appreciate that while the highest praise is due to him for the care and attention he has given to this case, it still has unsatisfactory aspects to be cleared up?
§ Mr. TurtonOn the same day as the lady was discharged, I wrote to the hon. Member a letter in which I dealt with a number of points which remained outstanding.