HC Deb 19 September 1940 vol 365 cc215-6W
Sir E. Graham-Little

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that during and after the last war advances resulting in now well-established therapeutic procedures were made in the psychological treatment of war neuroses; that at the Royal Southern Hospital, Liverpool, working under the Emergency Medical Service, two medical officers, because of the obstruction they have encountered in applying these methods, have resigned as a protest against the attitude, both of the director of the unit concerned and of the consultant adviser in neurology of the Ministry; and will he cause full inquiry to be made as, otherwise, these methods will encounter a set-back, psychiatrists will be discouraged from undertaking these posts and the recovery of patients suffering from these neuroses will be gravely prejudiced?

Mr. M. MacDonald

I am aware of the advances made during and after the last war in the treatment of war neuroses, but am informed that the best method to be adopted in individual cases is still uncertain. I am informed that there have been differences of opinion between the two medical officers referred to and the director, but am advised by my consultant advisers that the methods applied by the director are such as to secure proper facilities for treatment of the Service and civilian patients coming within the emergency scheme. I should therefore not be justified in intervening as suggested by the hon. Member.