HC Deb 12 October 1976 vol 917 cc84-5W
Mr. Brocklebank-Fowler

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now review the administrative procedures for assessing the mental health of prisoners with a view to improving the prison service's capacity for identifying mentally ill prisoners and providing for their treatment to safeguard the public.

Mr. John

The Butler Committee on Mentally Abnormal Offenders made a detailed examination of these difficult problems and its proposals are under consideration.

Mr. Brocklebank-Fowler

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has completed his review of administrative procedures in connection with the release of patients from Broad-moor; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John

The review has not yet been completed. Consultations are proceeding on proposals for an extension of the existing arrangements for obtaining the opinion of an independent advisory body on the discharge or transfer of patients subject to the special restrictions set out in Section 65 of the Mental Health Act 1959.