§ Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that at one institution for the treatment of neurasthenia men are permitted to visit their homes once a month, and that the detention of men at Saltash for prolonged periods is more likely to make their condition worse instead of better whether he will consult with his medical officers on the advisability of closing all institutions for the treatment of neurasthenia, thus permitting the men to live at home; and whether, if this be done, he will give instructions that adequate pensions be awarded until such time as the 2437W pensioners are enabled to resume their place in industry?
§ Major TRYONThe hon. and gallant Member would appear to be under a misapprehension. Leave is not granted to a patient in a Ministry institution until he has been continuously a patient for three months, and beyond that time, after an interval of six weeks. The treatment provided at the institution referred to is determined in accordance with the interests of the men themselves by the medical advisers of the Ministry, and I do not feel that I should be justified in adopting the suggestion of closing any institution provided by the Ministry for the treatment of neurasthenia except in accordance with medical advice. At the same time it is not the intention of the Ministry that cases should remain indefinitely or unnecessarily in this or in any other institution, and where they can be suitably dealt with by discharge to their homes with an appropriate rate of pension this course is adopted.