§ 21. Mr. JOELasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is the practice in Broadmoor asylum to keep separate criminals who have actually been convicted and those who have not been convicted but only found insane upon arraignment; and whether, in view of the fact that the latter may not actually be guilty of the offences of which they were indicted, he will reconsider the whole policy of committing such offenders to Broadmoor, which is regarded as specifically a criminal lunatic asylum?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Oliver Stanley)Broadmoor asylum is run on hospital lines, and the inmates are classified according to their mental condition and general conduct and not according as to whether or riot they happen to have been convicted. Whether a man is found "insane on arraignment" or "guilty but insane" depends upon his mental condition at the time of trial, and this distinction would afford a very unsatisfactory basis of classification. My right hon. Friend sees no reason to alter the existing policy in regard to admissions to the asylum.
§ Mr. JOELIs my hon. Friend aware that considerable distress is caused to the relatives of non-convicted persons sent to Broadmoor, and will he endeavour to make it publicly known that persons sent to Broadmoor are not necessarily criminals?
§ Mr. STANLEYI think that is generally recognised. They can be sent to Broadmoor before as well as after conviction.