§ 12. Mr. McKayasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has considered the plea of the honourable Member for Wallsend that the boy from his constituency, who is in the Aycliffe Approved School, should not be transferred to an institution for mental defectives; and what is his decision.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI have considered the hon. Member's representations, but, as I have informed him, I am satisfied from the certificates of two qualified doctors that the boy is a defective. I propose to make an order under Section 9 of the Mental Deficiency Act, 1913, for his transfer to hospital as soon as a vacancy can be found for him.
§ Mr. McKayIs the Minister aware that I have seen this boy, that I have interviewed doctors and seen the schoolmaster about his school career, and that I have interviewed an employer who engaged the boy for a week? Is he aware that the evidence of these people does not indicate that the boy should be put into a school for mental defectives? Is he aware that I am bitterly disappointed and, after interviewing the doctors, the officials and the boy himself, am satisfied that the boy should not be sent to this school but would be far better at home under proper control? Will the right hon. Gentleman review this case again in six months' time?
§ Mr. ButlerI have had correspondence with the hon. Member and know that he feels very deeply about this case; but I have had before me full reports about the boy both before and since his admission to this school, as well as the specialist medical advice available to my Department. The decision has been taken on the best advice, but I will certainly keep in touch with the hon. Member.