§ 16. Dr. Broughtonasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance the number of patients in mental hospitals in England and Wales who, by reason of having been given a prison sentence before being certified as of unsound mind, are not eligible for National Insurance benefits.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThere are about 200 mental patients who were certified while undergoing a prison sentence which has not yet expired. I have no figures for the number detained under Section 7 of the Criminal Lunatics Act, 1884. Under decisions of the National Insurance Commissioner persons in both these categories are at present disqualified from receipt of National Insurance benefits.
§ Dr. BroughtonDoes not the Minister agree that these unfortunate people are harshly treated in respect of National Insurance benefits? Is he aware that if mental disorder had been recognised and these people certified before court proceedings, they would not suffer the penalty of losing their National Insurance benefit, including even the taking away of tobacco tokens from old-age pensioners? Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to look into the matter and consider the possibility of amending the law?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI am not without sympathy for the hon. Member's point of view, which I believe is shared by quite a number of people who have studied the subject. I must, however, await the Royal Commission's Report which may affect the underlying law, but I have in mind, when that Report is received, to refer this matter to my National Insurance Advisory Committee.