State Institution for Mental Defectives, Carstairs

HC Deb 06 June 1957 vol 571 cc138-9W

Mr. Patrick Maitland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will reconsider representations made to his predecessor about the need for a more effective warning system at Carstairs, to warn villagers when an inmate has escaped from the State Institution for Mental Defectives.

Mr. Maclay

I have reconsidered these representations. In the light of experience I see no reason to alter the existing system.

Mr. Patrick Maitland

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions persons have escaped from the State Institution for Mental Defectives at Carstairs, Lanark, in the past ten years.

Mr. Maclay

Patients have escaped from the State Institution for Mental Defectives at Carstairs on seven occasions since the Institution was established in 1948. Fourteen patients were involved, none being absent from the Institution for more than one day.