§ 8. Dr. D. Johnsonasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that Cathlene Murray, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Murray, of 22, Oswald Street, Carlisle, has been detained in various institutions for mental defectives for 23 years; and when she will be released.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Dennis Vosper)I am aware of the position in this case, about which my predecessor wrote to my hon. Friend. With regard to the second part of the Question, this patient is still in need of hospital care and training.
§ Dr. JohnsonDoes my right hon. Friend not agree that the reluctance to discharge this case after so many years' detention implies failure? Will he look at the case with a view to assessing the value of the whole system under which this lady has been treated for so long? In particular, in view of the anxiety of my constituents concerning their daughter, would my right hon. Friend facilitate my making a personal visit to see her at the Moss Side Hospital?
§ Mr. VosperI have examined this case. This particular girl has been treated in a number of hospitals. She was even allowed out on licence two years ago, but had a relapse and had to be brought back again. Therefore, I do not think that an over-cautious attitude has been adopted. My hon. Friend has also raised rather wider issues, and I will look at his last point.