HC Deb 12 July 1978 vol 953 c573W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the reasons which have caused the prison authorities to judge it to be not worthwhile to recommend a mentally abnormal offender to be transferred to National Health Service hospitals.

Dr. Summerskill

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a Question by him on 22nd June—[Vol. 925, cc.270–1.]: in a number of cases prison medical officers have not recommended a prisoner's transfer to hospital because in the light of past experience or informal inquiries of suitable hospitals they have foreseen difficulties in finding a hospital vacancy.