HC Deb 21 November 1963 vol 684 cc1157-8
17. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what provision is made in Cardiff Prison for psychiatric treatment to be available for prisoners in cases recommended by magistrates' courts for such special treatment.

Miss Pike

Prisoners thought to be in need of prolonged treatment may be sent to the special prison at Grendon or to psychiatric clinics in other prisons. Prisoners serving short sentences may be seen by a visiting psychiatrist, and arrangements can be made for them to undergo voluntary treatment at outside clinics on discharge from prison.

Mr. Thomas

Is the Minister alleging that there is a regular psychiatric service at the prison? If so, can she tell me how often the visits are made?

Miss Pike

The position is that the medical officer at the prison can prescribe visits of a psychiatrist, and in that case the psychiatrist will attend, as and when needed.

Miss Bacon

Is the question of psychiatric treatment included in the investigation which is taking place into the prison medical service? When can we expect a report on that investigation?

Miss Pike

There is a Question about that on the Order Paper.

Mr. Elwyn Jones

Should not penal establishments now have qualified psychiatrists in strength? Although the courts still hopefully say to prisoners, "Any treatment that you require you will get in prison", is it not the case that the number of qualified psychiatrists is quite inadequate to meet that which the judges and the courts hope the prisons will accomplish?

Miss Pike

This is a question that we have to face in the Health Service as a whole, but the hon. and learned Member will recognise that in the prison service at present we have an adequate psychiatric service and an adequate medical service.

Mr. Elwyn Jones

The hon. Lady is the only one who believes that.

Mr. Speaker

That does not sound like a question.