§ 27. Dame Joan Vickersasked the Minister of Overseas Development what progress has been made with the rebuilding of the hospital in Tonga; and if all the mental patients have been transferred from the prison.
§ Mr. WhitakerThe re-building of the main hospital is expected to be completed by September-October this year. The mental patients have not yet been transferred from the prison, but I understand that the Tonga Government intend to build a psychiatric ward at the hospital during the second phase of its development within the next three years.
§ Dame Joan VickersIn view of the fact that it was agreed to help Tonga with this money to rebuild the hospital, and that one of the conditions, I understand, was that the mental patients should be taken out, will the hon. Gentleman insist that that is now done?
§ Mr. WhitakerI recognise the hon. Lady's keen and long-term interest in this problem, which is very welcome. The Tonga Government are, of course, fully responsible for their internal problems, but we shall be glad to give them any expert advice which would be helpful.