HC Deb 28 January 1976 vol 904 cc221-2W
Mr. Brocklebank-Fowler

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many former patients of Broadmoor have committed crimes of violence following their release, during the last 10 years.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I regret that comprehensive figures are not available. The following table, based on such information as is readily available in departmental records, gives particulars of convictions during 1966–75 of offences of violence committed by persons who had at some time been detained in Broadmoor as patients subject to the special restrictions in Section 65 of the Mental Health Act 1959. These figures relate to patients who were discharged into the community, whether direct from Broadmoor or otherwise, and who were at the time of leaving Broadmoor still subject to the special restrictions.

During the same period the total number of restricted patients discharged, or transferred to National Health Service hospitals, from Broadmoor was 736, but the particulars of convictions given below also include offences by persons discharged before 1966.

Offence No. of former patients convicted
Murder 4
Manslaughter 3
Attempted murder 2
Wounding 1
Rape 2
Buggery 1
Indecent assault 1
Kidnapping 1
Firearms offences 1

Mr. Brocklebank-Fowler

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress he has made in his consideration of new procedures in connection with the release of patients from Broadmoor; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I am currently reviewing the administrative procedures in respect of those patients for whose discharge I have a statutory responsibility, that is to say, those detained subject to the special restrictions set out in Section 65 of the Mental Health Act 1959. As I have already announced, I share the view of the Butler Committee that there should be an extension of the existing arrangements for submitting proposals for discharge or transfer to the scrutiny of an independent advisory board, and I intend to introduce a wider procedure on these lines as soon as possible. For this purpose an enlarged advisory board will be needed and its constitution and functions are now being worked out.