§ Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking with a view to providing in all areas convalescent homes for the benefit of early uncertifiable mental cases, so as to prevent their growing worse and becoming certifiable and a burden on the State; and, in order that such homes shall not be regarded as half-way houses to asylums, will he ensure that intending patients should enter voluntarily and without compulsion in the same way as they would enter a hospital, and that the homes so provided shall have no connection with lunacy administration?
§ Major ASTORThe proposal in the first part of the question, with which I am in full sympathy, would require legislation for it to be effectively carried out. This matter, together with the important points referred to in the rest of the question, with which I am also in sympathy, are having very careful consideration between my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health and my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, and it is hoped that suitable legislation for the purpose in view may shortly be introduced.