THE EARL OF BREADALBANE AND HOLLANDasked Her Majesty's Government whether they are satisfied with 628WA the after-care given to relapsed leucotomy cases, particularly those due to war service, and, if not, what steps can be taken to protect them from exploitation by confidence men.
THE EARL OF HOMEThe after-care needs of persons who have been treated for mental illness vary widely according to individual circumstances and the willingness of the patient to be helped. Concern for their after-care is shared by the hospitals at which they are treated, the local health authorities for the areas in which they reside after discharge, and their general practitioners who would advise if further treatment were needed. In the case of war pensioners the help of the war pensioners welfare officers of the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance who are stationed at local offices throughout the country is also available. A valuable link between these sources of help is the psychiatric social worker, of whom there are by no means sufficient at present. Apart from this shortage, there is no reason to suppose that adequate arrangements are not made for the after-care of persons treated for mental illness, including patients who have had leucotomy operations and who have relapsed after leaving hospital. It may well be that the report of the Royal Commission on the Mental Laws, which is expected about the end of the year, will have some bearing on this general question.
House adjourned at seventeen minutes past six o'clock for the Summer Recess.