§ Mr. PIELOUasked the Minister of Pensions whether he has invited the 2574W Mental After-care Association to draft a scheme for the purpose of looking after ex-service men discharged from asylums; and, if so, is he prepared to meet the cost of such scheme?
Mr. ROBERTSThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, but for some time my Department has been in communication with the Mental After-care Association with a view to exploring as to how far the Association's activities in connection with the after-care of civilians discharged from asylums would embrace the pensioner. We welcome the co-operation of the Association, but I would remind the House that in so far as the pensioner, when discharged from an asylum, will need treatment or institutional care, the necessary provision is made by my Department.