§ Mr. Iremonger(By Private Notice) asked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement about the fire at Claybury Hospital in the early hours of this morning.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Kenneth Robinson)I understand the fire started in an acute psychiatric ward on the first floor. Two hundred and fifty patients were evacuated and found accommodation elsewhere in the hospital. Two patients were injured and I am sorry to say that one has since died.
I should like to express my sympathy with the relatives. I should also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the prompt and admirable response of the staff during the incident.
§ Mr. IremongerI thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply. In the short term, would he make sure that his Department is in touch with the management committee and the regional board in case they need any urgent help, and, in the longer term, would he make sure that financial and other resources are available so that the hospital can return to normal as quickly as possible?
§ Mr. RobinsonYes, I think that the authorities know that my Department is ready to give them any assistance they need. I understand that there will he no interruption in the treatment being provided for patients at Claybury.
§ Miss PikeThe right hon. Gentleman will recognise, of course, that we add our sympathy and admiration for the work done last night. Would he also make sure that the sort of conditions which could lead to these tragedies are not too prevalent in many of our mental hospitals?
§ Mr. RobinsonI can assure the right hon. Lady that there will be a full inquiry by the fire brigade and the hospital authorities into the origins of the fire. Perhaps she would be interested to know that I understand that police have now charged a male patient with arson, but it is, of course, possible that he will prove unfit to plead.
§ Mr. PavittWill my right hon. Friend consider the staffing ratios of our mental hospitals, particularly of Claybury and the neighbouring Goodmaye Hospital, in Barley Lane?
§ Mr. RobinsonThis, of course, is done as a matter of routine, but in so far as it might be relevant to this incident we shall have a special look at it.