HL Deb 19 March 1987 vol 485 cc1559-60WA
Lord Renton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they propose to issue advice to doctors and social workers about the supervision of mentally disordered offenders who have been conditionally discharged from hospital.

The Minister of State, Home Office (The Earl of Caithness)

After consultation with my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Social Services, we are publishing today revised and more comprehensive guidance to hospitals and to consultant psychiatrists, probation officers and social workers who are responsible for providing statutory supervision for conditionally discharged patients in the community. The guidance is intended to inform supervisors of their responsibilities; encourage the widespread adoption of existing good practice; promote the fullest co-operation between the professionals responsible for the patient's care and supervision; and ensure that the Home Office is kept fully informed. We are confident that the new guidance will improve further the effectiveness of supervision and the protection it provides for the public. Copies of the new guidance are being placed in the Libraries of both Houses.