HC Deb 28 October 1919 vol 120 cc498-9W
Captain COOTE

asked the Minister of Health Whether he is aware that the cost of maintenance of pauper lunatics has risen from 8s. per week to between 21s. and 28s. per week; that under the Local Government Act of 1888 only 4s. per head is repayable to the local authorities concerned; that the balance payable per head throws a burden upon the local rates; and whether he is prepared to introduce an amending Bill whereby a fixed proportion, say one-half, of the actual cost of maintenance of every pauper lunatic shall be repayable to the guardians concerned

Dr. ADDISON

I agree that there is aprima facie case for an increase in the Grant payable toward the cost of pauper lunatics, but in view of the contemplated reform of the Poor Law I feel that the necessary legislation could not well be undertaken at the present time.

Mr. GWYNNE

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the cost of maintaining lunatic paupers at lunatic asylums has increased from Ss. per week per head, which was the estimated cost at the time of the passing of the Local Government Act in 1888, to about 25s., and that the present Grant of 4s. per week per head, which is repaid to the various unions under the Act, is now inadequate; and whether he will introduce legislation to relieve local rates by amending the Local Government Act of 1888 so as to provide for the repayment of at least half of the actual cost, which was the original intention of that Act?

Dr. ADDISON

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to-day to a question on the same subject put by the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Ely.