HC Deb 19 January 1978 vol 942 cc325-6W
Mrs. Chalker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will investigate the extent and degree of abuse, violence and aggression against staff by patients in casualty departments of hos- pitals on Merseyside and throughout the rest of the National Health Service, and examine ways of combating these events and report to the House on this matter.

Mr. Moyle

Officers of my Department have for some time been involved in discussions with representatives of staff employed in the NHS over the question of violence by patients. We shall be considering what action it may be appropriate to take on this difficult issue in the light of those discussions. I have no reason to believe that the position is especially difficult in Merseyside hospitals.