HC Deb 25 November 1946 vol 430 c228W
Mr. Sargood

asked the Minister of Health the annual cost to the National Exchequer of the Board of Control of Mental Hospitals and Institutions.

Mr. Bevan

The net cost of the Board of Control to the National Exchequer for the financial year 1945–46 was £237,614, of which £58,054 was in respect of the Board's Office, the remainder being the cost of grants in respect of ex-Service mental patients and the cost of the State Institutions for Mental Defectives of dangerous propensities.

Mr. Sargood

asked the Minister of Health how often officers of the Board of Control visit mental nursing homes and institutions run for personal private gain; are reports made concerning such visits; and are these available to members of the public.

Mr. Bevan

Commissioners or inspectors of the Board of Control visit: (a) under the Lunacy and Mental Treatment Acts, 1890–1930, licensed houses within their immediate jurisdiction not less than six times a year; licensed houses not within their immediate jurisdiction not less than twice a year; nursing homes not less than one a year; and (b) under the Mental Deficiency Acts, 1913–1927, certified houses and approved homes not less than once a year. Reports are made in every case which are submitted to the Board: they are not available to the public.