29. Mr. ChristopherPrice asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in the light of the Granada programme "Life for Christine", he will review the procedures for monitoring the progress of those patients in special hospitals sentenced under section 53 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933.
§ Sir George YoungAll persons in the special hospitals are subject to detention under the Mental Health Act 1959, whether or not originally subject to an order made under section 53 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933. In all cases their treatment and progress are monitored regularly by ward staff and others responsible for their care, and the responsible medical officer will recommend transfer or discharge as soon as this is thought appropriate. In addition, if over 16, they may require their cases to be reviewed by a mental health review tribunal at specifed intervals. It is proposed, in amending the Mental Health Act 1959, to extend the right to a tribunal review to those under the age of 16. In the meantime I intend, with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department, to make administrative arrangements for the tribunal's advice to be sought periodically in the very small number of cases where a patient under 16 is detained in a special hospital. At present there are three such patients, none of whom was originally subject to an order under the 1933 Act.