HC Deb 16 October 1952 vol 505 cc371-2
19. Mr. Remnant

asked the Minister of Health which of the recommendations made by the Scott Henderson inquiry on Broadmoor have now been implemented, and which are still under discussion.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Eight of the recommendations have been implemented. Five are in course of implementation and two are going forward under Whitley Council procedure. With permission, I will circulate the details in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Remnant

Does my right hon. Friend consider that the agreement arrived at yesterday answers the recommendation in paragraph 22 about increases of pay to attract fresh staff, and does he still accept, in principle, the recommendation in paragraph 23?

Mr. Macleod

There has been no change at all since the statement which I made in the House accepting the report of the Scott Henderson Committee. With regard to the agreement which has been reached provisionally, the only matter now in dispute is when the pay increases should start, and that has gone to arbitration.

Following are the details: [The references are to the numbered subparagraphs in the Summary of Recommendations, in paragraph 31 of the Report of the Broadmoor Inquiry Committee (Cmd. 8594).] I. Recommendations implemented: (a) and (f). The Chairman of the Board of Control addressed a meeting of representatives of the staff of Broadmoor on 18th July, 1952. Further meetings will be held from time to time. (b) Dr. James, the newly appointed Medical Superintendent of Broadmoor, has experience of both Rampton and Moss Side Hospitals. Dr. Knox, the Deputy Superintendent, has been employed at Broadmoor since 1932. (g) An amendment to the Broadmoor Institution Rules 1952 (Statutory Instrument No. 366 of 1952) to give effect to this recommendation was laid before Parliament on 14th October. (h) The structural alterations necessary to place the Ministry of Works yard outside the security wall are now complete. (j) This recommendation has been implemented. (l) A siren has been installed. A direct telephone and alarm to Wokingham Police Station are now available. (o) A plan of co-operation has been worked out in complete detail and agreed between the Medical Superintendent and the Chief Constable. II. In course of implementation: (e) The security rules are being revised. (i) A distinctive coloured cloth for overalls has been chosen and will be brought into use as soon as supplies become available. The suggestion in the remainder of this recommendation had been adopted. (k) New locks have been fitted to the outer doors of all blocks. Work on re-locking the inner doors is well advanced. (m) Consultations have taken place and a scheme for warning schools is now being prepared. (n) The Board of Control are in communication with the B.B.C. on this recommendation. III. Pay and Conditions of Service: (c) and (d). Pay and conditions of service have been discussed on the Whitley Committee for the State Institutions. An offer of substantial pay increases has been made, but agreement has not been reached about the date from which the increases should be given.
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