§ Mr. Darlingasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, to allay the anxieties of neighbouring residents, he will instruct the responsible officials at Middlewood Hospital, Sheffield, not to allow out on parole, 393W unless accompanied by an effective escort, mental patients transferred there by his Department who have been convicted of murder or other serious crimes of violence.
§ Mr. CarlislePatients detained subject to the special restrictions in Section 65 of the Mental Health Act 1959 may not be allowed out of hospital without my right hon. Friend's consent. Discretion to grant leave of absence is given to the responsible medical officer only when my right hon. Friend considers in the light of medical advice that it is safe to do so, and on condition that the responsible medical officer must, on each occasion that leave is granted, be satisfied that it is not likely to entail any risk for the patient or to others. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the responsible hospital consultants are aware of the need for making such arrangements as may be necessary in the interests of the patient and of the public, including the provision of an escort where this is desirable.