HC Deb 02 March 1959 vol 601 cc12-3
7. Dr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Health when action is to be taken to improve the scales of payment to patients in mental hospitals for work of a reasonably high standard, substituting, wherever suitable, payment by cash in place of tobacco allowances.

Mr. R. Thompson

Work undertaken by patients in mental and mental deficiency hospitals is essentially a part of treatment. Remuneration as such is therefore not payable, but incentives in cash or kind are normally provided. Their nature and amount is, however, a matter for decision in the light of the medical needs of individual patients.

Mr. Dodds

Is the Parliamentary Secretary saying that it would retard the progress of a patient to pay a few shillings into an account each week to be used for him when he comes out of the mental hospital? Does not he think it regrettable that, when his Ministry is warning the public against smoking, patients who are deprived of liberty because they cannot look after themselves outside are paid with tobacco? Is it not disgraceful, especially since they are paid two ounces of tobacco weekly for thirty-eight hours of work of a reasonably high standard?

Mr. Thompson

We must allow hospital authorities some discretion in running these schemes. As he will know, some hospitals already run small industrial units, on broadly commercial lines, and here the incentives are often much greater than the hon. Member has suggested. Those patients who go out to work will receive normal wages from their employers and make maintenance payments to the hospital.

Mr. K. Robinson

Is the Minister aware that there is an increasing tendency to make incentive payments in cash, but that some hospital management committees are reluctant to make this change? Will he and his right hon. Friend do all they can to induce management committees to make cash payments wherever possible?

Mr. Thompson

I will consider that, and no doubt the publicity resulting from these questions and answers will draw attention to this matter.

Dr. Summerskill

Can the Minister tell the House in what proportion of hospitals there is this graduated payment?

Mr. Thompson

Not without notice.

Mr. Dodds

Owing to the very unsatisfactory answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

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