HC Deb 21 May 1924 vol 173 cc2226-7W
Mr. COSTELLO

asked the Minister of Health what is the total number of service patients at present in asylums; what occupational interests are afforded them; whether any remuneration is given for extra work voluntarily undertaken by them; whether the Brabazon scheme is in operation in any asylum; and how many service patients were discharged from asylums during the year 1923?

Mr. WHEATLEY

The total number of service patients in county and borough mental hospitals in England and Wales on the 1st January, 1924, was 4,623. News- papers, books, games, etc., are provided for recreation and amusement, and such patients as are fit for it are given employment out-of-doors on the farm and gardens and indoors in the wards and workshops. It is the practice in most mental hospitals to reward patients so employed. I am not aware that the Brabazon scheme is in operation in any county and borough mental hospital. The number of service patients discharged from county and borough mental hospitals in England and Wales during the year 1923 was 879.