§ Mr. Hannamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to overcome the shortage of security units for mentally disordered offenders in the Exeter and district area.
§ Mr. MoyleRegional secure units are intended 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.
The South Western Regional Health Authority is planning to built a 30 bed sub-regional secure unit at Langdon Hospital, Dawlish, but following objections to the proposed development my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State 148W ther training from time to time. More than 10 per cent. of general practitioners voluntarily undertake refresher courses in obstetrics and gynaecology each year, and the numbers taking these courses have increased in recent years.