§ 105. Mr. Boydasked the Minister of Health what are the pay arrangements when patients from mental hospitals are allowed out for normal employment.
§ Mr. VosperEmployment of this kind is essentially a part of treatment and its nature and remuneration therefore depend on individual circumstances. Many patients earn the normal wage, but any special arrangement is a matter for discussion with the appropriate wages board or committee, or with the local representatives of the trade unions concerned. The patient pays to the hospital that part of the cost of his maintenance which is recoverable under Section 28 of the National Health Service (Amendment) Act, 1949, and he retains the balance or places it for safe keeping in his account at the hospital.