§ Mr. N. Macphersonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many lunatics were boarded out in the year ending 31st March, 1950; and how this figure compared with the number for the two previous years.
Mr. McNeilForty-nine lunatics were boarded out during the year ending 31st March, 1950 (27 males and 22 females). 101W The numbers boarded out during the years ending 31st March, 1949, and 31st March, 1948, were 32 (19 males and 13 females) and 29 (15 males and 14 females), respectively.
§ Mr. N. Macphersonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland under what conditions lunatics are boarded out and what supervision is exercised.
Mr. McNeilLunatics are boarded out either with their own relatives or with unrelated guardians. In the case of lunatics boarded out with unrelated guardians the aim is to provide a home life in suitable surroundings; men are usually placed on small farms or crofts and women in cottages in villages. Not more than four102W patients can be placed with any one guardian.
The homes are usually found by the local health authority and the sanction of the General Board of Control must be obtained to the placing of any patient with the guardian selected.
The General Board of Control exercise supervision over the patients who are visited at least once a year, and oftener in special circumstances, by a deputy medical commissioner. In addition the patient is visited four times a year by a doctor, and twice a year by the local authority welfare officer acting on behalf of the regional hospital board.