§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what special provision is made for physically handicapped and mentally handicapped prisoners;
(2) if he will make an estimate of the number of (a) physically handicapped persons and (b) mentally handicapped persons currently held in prison establishments;
(3) what is his policy towards the holding in prison establishments of physically handicapped and mentally handicapped persons.
§ Dr. SummerskillAs to numbers I would prefer not to go beyond the estimate made in my reply to Questions on
854Wbetween July and September 1975; and how many of these held work permits, and were settlers and dependants, respectively.
§ Mr. Alexander W. LyonThe figures are:
the same subject by my hon. Friend on 15th December.
Otherwise so far as possible such people are treated in ways that allow them to participate in the full life of the establishments and, accordingly, account of any disabilities is taken in allocating people to particular places. Beyond this the treatment of such inmates is the responsibility of the prison medical service. Prison medical officers make such provision as they consider clinically necessary including referral to visiting specialists and National Health Service outpatient departments. Those suffering from severe mental handicaps may be dealt with under Section 72 of the Mental Health Act 1959.—[Vol. 902 c. 444.]