§ Mrs. Knightasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he intends to take action on the Butler Report on Mentally Abnormal Offenders.
§ Mr. MoyleThe many wide-ranging and often complex recommendations contained in the report affect both my Department and the Home Office. So far as the Health Service is concerned, the hon. Member will know that we accept that the provision of a secure unit in each health region must be a matter of high priority, and as recommended have provided support both for their capital and running costs. All regional health authorities are actively planning permanent units, and have been urged to make interim arrangements in the meantime. The implementation of the other recommendations which have considerable financial and manpower implications must necessarily be heavily dependent upon the availability of resources. Of the recommendations which involve legislation, those affecting the Mental Health Act 1959 were discussed in the consultative document published in August last year. The comments received on this are now being studied with a view to the introduction of amending legislation at the first opportunity.