§ LIEUT.-Commander CHILCOTTasked the Pensions Minister whether any discharged men, suffering from the effects of war service, are now confined in public lunatic asylums; and, if so, whether he will make early arrangements with a view to removing these men to private homes or hospitals where they will receive proper mental treatment without being classed as pauper lunatics?
§ Sir J. CRAIGThe answer to the first part of this question is in the affirmative. The men are, however, not classed as pauper lunatics, as the hon. and gallant Member suggests, but as "Service patients." As such they are entitled to the privileges of private patients, the cost of their maintenance and of the special privileges accorded to them being borne by the Ministry of Pensions. It is not considered that the provision of separate institutions is practicable, nor is it expedient, having regard to the desirability of placing patients where their friends can visit them.