§ 70. Sir T. Kitsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement regarding the report of the committee of inquiry held to inquire into and report to the Northern Regional 114W Health Authority on the circumstances, so far as health services are concerned, surrounding the deaths of four patients in the psychiatric unit, Darlington Memorial Hospital, during the period 28th July to 23rd August 1975.
§ Mr. EnnalsAction on most of the conclusions in the report will be for the Durham Area Health Authority, which is considering the report as a matter of urgency. The authority has issued a Press statement setting out the action it proposes to take and I am sending the hon. Member a copy. In view of the distressing events in this unit and the disturbing nature of the inquiry's findings, my officials will be keeping me in touch with progress. They are also following up a number of points in the report which may have national implications.