HC Deb 01 July 1980 vol 987 cc1292-4
10. Mr. van Straubenzee

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what considerations led him to decide the size of his recently announced grant to MIND.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

There were four considerations. These were, first, our priority for mental health; second, our high opinion of MIND's work, especially by its branches; third, our assessment of MIND's income and expenditure; and, fourth, our policy on section 64 grants. With all these points in mind I decided that a grant of £275,000—a 10 per cent. cash increase over last year—was right.

Mr. van Straubenzee

Is it a fact that during this consideration my right hon. Friend received a letter from the director of MIND apologising for the way in which he prosecuted his accusations against the staff of Broadmoor hospital? If that is so, if that written apology has been received, does not that totally vindicate those like myself who, in very sharp terms, criticised those who have sought to bring charges against the doctors and nurses when they were unable to defend themselves?

Mr. Jenkin

I have both welcomed and accepted Mr. Smythe's apologies. As my hon. Friend knows, when I announced the 1980–81 grant for MIND I made two points—first, bodies that accept public money owe a high duty to act responsibly and not to fling about wild and unsubstantiated charges. Secondly, I said that it would be a sad day if the Government ever used the power of the purse to muzzle their critics. I hope that those sentiments are acceptable in all parts of the House.

Mr. Whitehead

Does the Minister agree that wild and, as yet, unsubstantiated charges have been made under the protection of privilege against Mr. Tony Smythe which had nothing to do with the matter raised by the hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr. van Straubenzee). Does he accept that many hon. Members welcome the grant to MIND? Should not the other comments made by the hon. Member for Wokingham about Mr. Smythe be substantiated, made outside the House, or withdrawn?

Mr. Jenkin

I am sure that my hon. Friend the Member for Wokingham (Mr. Van Straubenzee) is well capable of looking after himself.