HC Deb 31 May 1965 vol 713 c1147
1. Mr. van Straubenzee

asked the Minister of Health whether he will now make a statement on the escape of Richard Upcher from Broadmoor Hospital on 21st February.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Kenneth Robinson)

I would refer the hon. Member to what my hon. Friend said in the Adjournment debate on Broadmoor Hospital on 1st April.

Mr. van Straubenzee

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware how appreciative I am of the personal consideration that he has given and the trouble that he has taken in regard to this case and Broadmoor generally? Does he recall that there have been criticisms that the six sirens are apparently not yet in operation? Can he say when he expects that that will be put right?

Mr. Robinson

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his observation at the beginning of his supplementary question. It is true that none of the six additional sirens is yet operational, but four of them will be very shortly. As to the initial testing of the sirens, regular testing will be carried out when they are established. Questions about the actual execution of the work are for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Public Building and Works.