Mr. DAVIESasked the Minister of Health whether he has taken into consideration the establishment of a home or a colony for persons suffering from encephalitis lethargica with a view to securing expert medical treatment for such persons and a more careful study of the disease; and, if so, what conclusions have been reached.
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe provision of suitable accommodation for persons suffering from the after-effects of encephalitis lethargica is receiving my careful attention. An experimental unit for the treatment of 100 cases has already been opened by the Metropolitan Asylums Board at Winchmore Hill. A certain number of persons certified under the Lunacy Acts are suffering from the aftereffects of encephalitis lethargica: and arrangements have been made by the London County Council to provide for the treatment of London cases at the West Park Mental Hospital, so that the study of the problem may be concentrated. A Measure has also been introduced into Parliament to amend the Mental Deficiency Act so as to facilitate the admission into mental deficiency institutions of cases suitable for treatment therein.