HC Deb 19 December 1956 vol 562 cc198-9W
166. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Health how many persons, giving males and females separately, not suffering from mental illness, are being detained in mental institutions; what are the principal reasons for detention; how many have been detained for ten years or more; and what is needed to obtain their release.

Mr. Turton

I assume the hon. Member is referring to persons suffering from mental defect. Their release is governed by Sections 11, 12 and 25 (2) of the Mental Deficiency Act, 1913. I am sending the hon. Member the additional information for which he asks.

167 and 168. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Health (1) how long Peter Whitehead was detained in a mental institution; what treatment he received for mental illness and with what effect; why he has been discharged; and what assistance, financially or otherwise, has been given to help him during the rehabilitation period;

(2) on what work Peter Whitehead was engaged when detained in the Rampton Mental Hospital; what weekly payment was made to him for his services; how much was credited weekly to his account for payment on his discharge; and how much was paid to him weekly, and for how long, as pocket money authorised under paragraph 4 of the Health Circular HMC (49) 20, dated 14th February, 1949.

Mr. Turton

This patient, who was certified as mentally defective within the meaning of the Mental Deficiency Acts, was detained in mental deficiency institutions from 6th December, 1944, to 13th December, 1956. He was at Rampton Hospital from August, 1946, to November, 1953, and again from January, 1955, until he was discharged. Throughout these periods he received the special care and training provided at this hospital, including instruction in tailoring, which led to his gradual stabilisation and fitness for discharge. In the interval during 1954 he was at Farmfield, near Honey, when he was licensed to employment at a hotel in Reigate.

Patients are not paid for services at Rampton Hospital, but participate in a scheme of rewards. This patient was credited with varying monthly amounts up to £1 7s. The unexpended balance standing to his credit on discharge was £4, and the hospital made this up to £10, as well as equipping him with clothing.