§ 1. Dr. D. Johnsonasked the Minister of Health if he will state the progress being made by Cathlene Murray, at present a patient in Dovenby Hall Hospital, Cumberland; and whether he can yet state the probable approximate date of her release from detention as a mental defective.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Derek Walker-Smith)I have written to my hon. Friend giving a full account of this case.
§ Dr. JohnsonI thank my right hon. Friend for his letter. Is he aware that this letter, which forecasts the reasonably early release of this girl, after twenty years' detention as a mental defective, is extremely welcome? Does he agree that if this young lady's case had had the sympathy and understanding twenty years ago that it has had in recent months hers would have been a very different story? Will he bear individual cases such as this 2 in mind in framing fresh legislation, which we expect in the near future?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI am obliged to my hon. Friend for what he said about my action. I do not think I can usefully go back into the past, but, in regard to the future, I am always very happy to discuss these matters with my hon. Friend.