§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales when he intends to take action on the recommendations of the Butler Committee on mentally abnormal offenders, by providing finance for the capital and running costs of a regional secure unit in Wales.
§ Mr. Alec JonesWe have accepted in principle as a shorter-term aim for Wales an alternative solution to the purpose-built psychiatric special unit as recommended by the Butler Report. This alternative was suggested by our Working Party on Security in Psychiatric Hospitals in Wales.
The intention is to provide, within certain existing base hospitals, small "secure units", each for about 20 patients, and proposals for two such units are already under discussion with area health authorities. Funds for these units will be made available.
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he has taken in Wales to set up an advisory group similar to that established by the Secretary of State for Social Services in England to consider the problems of establishing a regional secure unit and to make interim secure arrangements in the meantime.
§ Mr. Alec JonesSuch action is not needed. The Welsh Office is in direct negotiation with the health authorities in Wales which have already submitted proposals for "secure units" in their areas.