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Oral Answers to Questions — Lunacy Act.

– in the House of Commons at on 8 December 1920.

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Photo of Mr Robert Richardson Mr Robert Richardson , Houghton-le-Spring

43.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Lunacy Board of Control, in a statement dated 16th November, 1920, have declared that the only section of the Lunacy Act, 1890, which safeguards voluntary boarders in mental institutions (Section 229) is inapplicable to boarders in registered hospitals, and have likewise declared inapplicable to registered hospitals the form (No. 14) prescribed for obtaining the written consent of two commissioners to the admission of a boarder who shall have made previous application in writing; and if he will say whether the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown was taken before the Lunacy Board's declaration was issued?

Photo of Dr Christopher Addison Dr Christopher Addison , Shoreditch

The letter from the Board of Control to which the hon. Member refers merely stated that Section 229 of the Lunacy Act, 1890, does not apply to registered hospitals. I see no necessity to consult the Law Officers on a point which has never been in doubt.

Photo of Mr Robert Richardson Mr Robert Richardson , Houghton-le-Spring

Is there any safeguard in law for those people who are incarcerated in such hospitals?

Photo of Dr Christopher Addison Dr Christopher Addison , Shoreditch

That is quite a different question from that on the Paper.

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