§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what systems are in place to inform victims about the release from hospital of a person who has committed serious offences whilst insane. [67152]
§ Mr. Hilary BennThere is currently no system for informing victims about the release from hospital of a person who has committed serious offences whilst insane, as this information has been considered to be subject to medical confidentiality. However, the Government believes that victims of their offending should have the same rights to information as victims of any other serious offending. On 25 June we announced proposals to that effect in the consultation paper accompanying the Mental Health Bill.