§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, if the Board of Control have addressed a circular to the medical superintendents of registered hospitals in which it is stated that voluntary boarders in hospitals may leave after giving 24 hours' notice in writing; and, seeing that according to the statute the hospital superintendent has no such right to demand any notice from the voluntary boarder, will he take steps to see that this statement is at once corrected?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERThe circular to which the hon. Member refers was addressed to the resident licensees of licensed houses as well as to the medical superintendents of registered hospitals. Section 229 (6) of the Lunacy Act, 1890, provides for 24 hours' notice in the case of licensed houses and, although the Act is silent as to the notice to be given in the case of registered hospitals, it is in the opinion of the Board of Control reasonable to require the same notice. The circular suggests that the terms should be made clear to voluntary boarders on admission. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the circular.