HC Deb 06 March 1972 vol 832 cc247-8W
Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were remanded in custody during 1970 for social inquiry reports; and how many of these also had health or psychiatric reports.

Mr. Carlisle

I regret that information is not available about the number of social inquiry reports prepared on persons who are in custody before conviction or sentence.

Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what facilities, other than at Holloway Prison, exist for the taking of medical and psychiatric reports by outpatient units to avoid unnecessary detention in custody of persons charged or convicted with offences where bail would otherwise not be opposed.

Mr. Carlisle

Following the passage of the Mental Health Act, 1959, regional hospital boards were asked to send to each magistrates' court in their area a list of psychiatric clinics which offenders might be required to attend as a condition of bail for the purpose of undergoing a medical examination. Boards have recently been asked to review these facilities. Within the prison system out-patient facilities will be available at Brixton prison in about two months' time. Their extension to other establishments is being considered.