§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is aware that many patients in psychiatric hospitals do not receive an allowance of any part of their sickness benefit or pension as pocket money; if he is satisfied that the 71W provisions of Section 133 of the Mental Health Act, 1959, are being properly applied in this respect; and what study he has made of the National Association for Mental Health's statement, a copy of which is in his possession, that all patients should receive an allowance on grounds of human dignity.
§ Sir K. JosephI am not aware of any general problem in regard to patients in receipt of national insurance benefits but if the hon. Member has any particular case in mind and will send me the details, I should be glad to look into it. Section 133 of the Mental Health Act, 1959, authorises payments to patients in psychiatric hospitals in respect of occasional personal expenses which they would not otherwise be able to meet; the majority of these patients receive an allowance. I have recently reminded hospital authorities of the basis on which payments should be made and provided fresh guidance on the issue and use of patients' moneys. I have not received any statement from the National Association for Mental Health on this matter.