§ Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has yet decided whether to hold an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death earlier this year of a patient, Mr. Michael Martin, in Broadmoor hospital; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeYes. I have asked Miss S. A. Ritchie, QC, to inquire into this matter and to report to me. The terms of reference of the inquiry will be
To inquire into the circumstances surrounding the incident on 6 July 1984 involving Mr. Michael Martin, a patient at Broadmoor Hospital, following which he was found dead; to consider the care and treatment accorded to Mr. Martin before and during his seclusion on 6 July; to report conclusions relating to this matter; and, in the light of those conclusions, to recommend any action that should be taken in relation to patient care".Advice on clinical questions will be provided by an independent doctor and nurse. We are seeking the views of professional bodies on suitable persons to undertake that task. I expect, in due course, to publish the results of the inquiry.