§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what reasons have been given by South East Thames regional health authority for its inability to find a hospital bed for the mentally-disordered prisoner who on 31 May had been waiting six to 12 months.
§ Mr. BrittanThere has been some reluctance to accept this prisoner in present circumstances because of the risk of public disquiet if he were removed to a National Health Service hospital very close to the scene of his recent crime. An offer has been made to provide a bed in that hospital nearer the date of his release from prison, but the possibility is being explored of finding a vacancy elsewhere.