HC Deb 12 January 1988 vol 125 cc255-6W
Mr. Greg Knight

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any proposals to alter the procedures operating over the past 12 months at Broadmoor relating to outside visits for shopping or social purposes for convicted prisoners; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Currie

Officials from the Department and the Home Office are currently reviewing the arrangements under which special hospital patients, including those transferred to the hospitals from prisons, are allowed to go on outings into the community. It is our intention to issue updated guidance to all the special hospitals.

Mr. Greg Knight

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many convicted persons have escaped from Broadmoor whilst taking part in shopping expeditions or public house visits during the past 12 months; what criteria are applied to permission for such visits; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Currie

One patient absconded during an outing from the hospital during the 12-month period up to 30 November 1987. He had not been transferred to the hospital from prison. Before a special hospital patient is allowed to go on an outing, approval must be given by his or her responsible medical officer, the clinical team and the medical director. In the case of patients subject to restrictions under sections 41 or 49 of the Mental Health Act 1983 the consent of the Home Secretary is also required. The arrangements in relation to the accompanying staff must be approved by a senior nurse manager at the hospital.

Mr. Greg Knight

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services on how many occasions during the last 12 months inmates of Broadmoor have been allowed to visit public houses; and of these how many were convicted prisoners.

Mrs. Currie

I regret that such records are not kept.

Mr. Greg Knight

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services on how many occasions during the last 12 months inmates of Broadmoor have been allowed to take part in shopping expeditions; and of these how many were convicted prisoners.

Mrs. Currie

During the 12-month period up to 30 November 1987, 26 male patients and 14 female patients took part in 40 and 30 shopping expeditions respectively; some patients were involved in more than one excursion. Two of the male patients had been transferred to the hospital from prison.