§ Miss Quennellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether night fire drills are practised in institutions for the mentally handicapped for which he is responsible; how often; and how often they are practised with heavily sedated patients.
§ Sir K. JosephAll hospitals are required to carry out fire drills at least twice a year and staff receive instruction in the movement of non-ambulant patients. The detailed arrangements are a matter for the hospital authorities, but regional hospital boards are asked to report to me annually on the application of these requirements.
§ Miss Quennellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many out-breaks of fire have occurred in institutions for the mentally handicapped for which he is responsible in the past 10 years.
§ Sir K. JosephThirty-three—some of a minor nature—since March, 1969, when detailed records began.
§ Miss Quennellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services in how many cases of fire in institutions for the mentally handicapped for which he is responsible the ward doors were locked at night.
§ Sir K. JosephSince regular reports of hospital fires began in 1969, none has referred to locked ward doors.