§ Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Minister of Health what is the cost per patient repaid to boards of guardians for lunatic patients in county asylums; whether, owing to the increased cost in such asylums for lunatic patients, there is a growing tendency to retain these mental cases in workhouses; and whether he will consider that an increase in the grants repaid to boards of guardians should be given to secure the removal of mental patients to suitable hospitals where more highly skilled treatment can be obtained?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe grant payable to a board of guardians in respect of a lunatic in a county asylum is 4s. weekly. I have been unable to find any evidence of the tendency suggested, and I do not think that an increase of the grant is called for on this ground.
§ Mr. FORESTIER-WALKERasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the greatly increased cost of maintenance of pauper lunatics, he is prepared to introduce legislation amending the Act of 1888 so as to provide repayment to boards of guardians of a contribution proportionate to the present high cost of maintenance, and also towards the large increase of salaries and bonuses of the officials of Poor Law unions?
§ Dr. ADDISONAs I have repeatedly stated, in view of the contemplated legislation for the reform of the Poor Law it would not be practicable to deal with these particular points at the present time.