§ Mr. Berminghamasked the Attorney-General in how many cases in each of the last three years the courts have been inhibited or prevented from making an order committing a mentally disordered offender to a local National Health Service hospital; what were the circumstances in each case; what steps are being taken to overcome the problems; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe information sought is not collected centrally, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services has recently had discussions with National Health Service authorities about improving arrangements for the placement of such offenders, including the arrangements relating to section 39 of the Mental Health Act 1983 which now enables a court to obtain information on what vacancies may be available.