HC Deb 26 June 1967 vol 749 cc69-70
26. Mr. Fisher

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of unsatisfactory conditions in certain mental hospitals; and what enquiries he is making into such conditions.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Kenneth Robinson)

I am aware of recent anonymous allegations which are impossible to pursue, cast unfair suspicion on large numbers of hospital staff, and cause distress to patients' relatives. If any specific complaint or evidence is put forward in a way that makes enquiry possible, it will certainly be investigated.

Mr. Fisher

Would not the Minister agree that the despair and degradation depicted in the Sunday Times articles, if true, amount to a public scandal? They are charges of nursing incompetence and even of brutality. These charges should be fully investigated. Would the Minister give the protection of anonymity to anyone who comes forward with the evidence?

Mr. Robinson

Yes, certainly. The hon. Gentleman said, "if true".

Mr. Fisher

Of course.

Mr. Robinson

Last year my Department issued a memorandum containing comprehensive guidance on the procedure for inquiry into complaints made by or on behalf of patients. I believe that the existing methods of dealing with complaints afford adequate protection for both patients and staff. I said this in answer to a Question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Kelvin-grove (Dr. Miller) on 11th April. That Answer, which also pointed out that it was clearly the duty of anyone who might have evidence of undesirable practices to produce it, was reproduced in full in a recent Press release, of which the Sunday Times received a copy.

Mr. Braine

Is the Minister aware that unfortunately allegations of this type are constantly being made in the newspapers? There was a further allegation only yesterday in a Sunday newspaper with a large circulation. Although I agree with the qualification the Minister made, in view of the responsibility he has for the care of the sick in hospitals, will he not take an opportunity to rebut these allegations? Could he not carry out an investigation into the one which appeared yesterday in a Sunday newspaper, to restore public confidence?

Mr. Robinson

I have not seen the one which appeared in a Sunday newspaper yesterday, but I will look into it. I do not know whether it is in a form which it is possible to pursue. I can only repeat, as I have said before in the House, that I am only too ready and anxious to investigate anything which can be investigated, but I deprecate these generalised smears against the psychiatric hospital service.

Mr. Shinwell

Because many of these allegations, for which none of us can vouch, are somewhat disturbing, can we be assured that occasionally my right hon. Friend or the Parliamentary Secretary, or somebody on his behalf from the Ministry, visits some of these institutions to ascertain whether there is any foundation for these allegations?

Mr. Robinson

I can assure my right hon. Friend that both my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary and I and officials of my Department regularly visit psychiatric hospitals in this country.