HC Deb 28 June 1976 vol 914 c69W
Mrs. Chalker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many regions have not yet submitted proposals for establishing secure hospital units for mentally abnormal offenders.

Dr. Owen

I assume the hon. Member is referring to regional secure units for those mentally ill and mentally handicapped patients who cannot satisfactorily be managed in ordinary psychiatric hospitals or units but whose condition is not such as to require treatment in a special hospital. Regional secure units are thus not only for offenders. All but two regions have submitted outline or preliminary proposals which they are discussing with staff and other interests.

Mrs. Chalker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many regions currently provide secure hospital units for mentally abnormal offenders.

Dr. Owen

No region has yet established a permanent regional secure unit. 10 have made some interim arrangements, and discussions about such interim arrangements are continuing in the other regions.