The “Times” published a weighty letter yesterday beseeching members of Parliament to work overtime for the purpose of passing the Mental Deficiency Bill this Session. Birmingham has always been in the forefront in her efforts to further this branch of social reform, so the strong representation of the city in the long list of influential signatures is not surprising. The names of Councillor David Davis, the Hon. Stephen Foster, Mr. Ernest Hiley, Sir George H. Kenrick, the Lord Mayor, and Mrs. Ellen F. Pinsent appears. But is not the plea of urgency somewhat over-emphasised? This is not the kind of Bill the House of Lords is likely to throw out, and any delay which may be caused will probably not amount to more than three or four months. Moreover, it is desirable that the measure should not be rushed, for as at present many sympathisers with the main principle find it challenging to the liberty of the subject. …
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive.
Referenced
GRO0245 Devonport: Ellen Frances Parker: 1866 – 1949