§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Minister of Health if he will cause inquiry to be made into the case of T. J. Hard-wick, at present detained as an ex-service patient in Chatham Asylum, Kent; is he aware that his mother is anxious to have him out on trial for a month under Section 55 of the Lunacy Act; that her own doctor has signified to the medical superintendent his willingness to look after the son, and that a suitable male nurse is available to take care of him while on trial, a course recommended by a member of the board of control: and will he take steps to see that no impediment is placed in the way of his temporary release on trial?
1001W
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend has made inquiries in this case. The power to grant leave on trial is vested by law in the visitors of the hospital on the written advice of the medical superintendent. The superintendent is, however, unable to advise the visitors that they should permit Mr. Hardwick to be absent on trial. A report made within the last few days shows that this is a dangerous patient who is not fit at present to be discharged from institutional care. I would like to add that last year this patient was allowed out on leave in the care of his mother, but had to be brought back on the following day to the institution.