§ 13. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent plans for Grendon Underwood penal establishment have been modified since its original conception; when construction is expected to start; and if he will make a statement on the proposed function of this establishment.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThe concept of a psychiatric prison originated a number of years ago and has been developed in the light of modern penal methods. Construction has already begun. The prison will provide psychiatric treatment for prisoners who, though not insane or mentally deficient, are recommended for this by prison medical officers following observation.
§ Mr. RobinsonDoes that Answer mean that all the prisoners in this establishment will be drafted from other prisons? Is the Home Secretary aware that there is now some confusion, since the passing of the Mental Health Act, as to what is the appropriate form of treatment for a criminal psychopath as between a penal and a hospital setting?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir. There is this difficulty. People will not be drafted direct to this prison and will have to go there on the recommendation of the prison medical officer concerned. We must work on the difficult and delicate point which the hon. Gentleman has raised in the light of experience gained in the early days of this prison.