§ Sir E. Graham-Littleasked the Minister of Health if he will inquire into the case of Mrs. Brandon, detained as insane at Brentwood Mental Hospital since 1943 until 1946, when she made her escape for 14 days and was able to consult an independent specialist who certified her sanity and, on approaching the mental hospital for an explanation, she was told the staff was too busy to deal with external inquiries; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. BevanI have inquired fully into this case and I understand that the Board of Control, by whose Commissioners this lady was seen on two occasions, are satisfied that she was at no time improperly detained. Having been at large for 14 days she was discharged by the automatic operation of Section 85 of the Lunacy Act, 1890. I am informed that she did not herself approach the mental hospital authorities but that an inquiry was made by a Press representative. On the information before me there does not appear to be any action which T could properly take.