§ 3. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Health on what authority Mrs. Harriett Thornton was required to go to St. Pancras Mental Hospital on 30th December, 1952, and be detained there for fifteen days; and what reasons were given for discharging her at the end of this period.
§ Mr. VosperI am informed that this lady was removed to the hospital on 30th December, 1952, at the instance of a duly authorised officer of the local health authority acting under Section 20 of the Lunacy Act, 1890, and that her detention there was continued until 14h January, 1953, on a certificate given by a medical officer of the hospital under Section 21 (a) of that Act. She was discharged because the justice who saw her on that day decided not to make an order for her reception in a mental hospital.
§ Mr. DoddsIs it not remarkable that this woman who was seen for fifteen days by the experts was deemed not to be insane or to be needing mental treatment, yet a few weeks later, as the result of a visit of one doctor for three minutes and a justice of the peace, she was sent into a mental hospital without an observation ward and was retained there for 3½ years?
§ Mr. VosperI have read the speech made by the hon. Member on the Adjournment Motion before Christmas, but the fact remains that the correct procedure was followed in this case. As the hon. Member knows, the present procedure is at the moment under review by the Royal Commission.
§ Mr. DoddsDoes that not mean that no one should be certified unless he or she has been under observation for fifteen days so that the serious step, when taken, will be taken on proper grounds?
§ Mr. VosperThat, no doubt, is a point to which the Royal Commission will have regard.