§ Mr. Moonmanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will initiate a public inquiry into the circumstances whereby a 7-year-old boy was left for nearly two months among 2,500 adult patients at St. Bernard's Mental Hospital, Middlesex; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. John DunwoodyI have received a detailed report from the regional hospital board on this case. There were particular difficulties of treatment and the boy was admitted to the nearest psychiatric hospital, St. Bernard's, only as a temporary measure until a more suitable placement could be arranged. The boy was then admitted to the Park Hospital, Oxford, where I understand that he has done well and is now being treated as an out-patient. I do not consider that there are any grounds for a public inquiry.