HC Deb 01 February 1957 vol 563 cc234-5W
Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Health how many patients were employed on work connected with the running of Cane Hill Mental Hospital during 1956; the main types of work in which the services of patients were engaged; what remuneration was paid for their services; and what system was in operation for obtaining the signatures of patients for money received in this way.

Mr. Vosper

On average, 460 female and 484 male patients were occupied during 1956 in the wards, grounds, workshops, stores, bakehouse, laundry kitchen, needleroom and offices. Occupation is a valuable part of treatment and patients are therefore encouraged to undertake it when able to do so. Remuneration, as such, is not paid, but varying rewards in cash or kind are given as an incentive to effort. Patients are not required to give receipts for these rewards, which were given to a total value of £9,915 11 s. 9d. in 1956.

Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Health how many patients were employed in the laundry of the Cane Hill Mental Hospital during 1956; how much was paid for their services; the rates of pay- ment; and the procedure followed for obtaining the signatures of the patients for the money they received.

Mr. Vosper

During 1956 an average of 59 patients daily were occupied in the laundry at Cane Hill Hospital, and rewards were given in cash and in kind to a total value of £795 1s. 10d. Female patients in the laundry received a maximum cash reward of 6s. 0d. per week and male patients received a weekly allowance of two ounces of tobacco. Patients were not required to give receipts for these rewards.

Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Health the maximum and minimum rates of pay to certified and voluntary patients undertaking work in mental institutions in which they are housed; when the scales were introduced; and what consideration has been given to increasing the scales.

Mr. Vosper

Hospitals were authorised in 1951 to pay to patients in mental and mental deficiency hospitals rewards for work which is done as part of their treatment. No maximum or minimum rates have been laid down.