HC Deb 01 May 1980 vol 983 c630W
Mr. Freeson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in the case of persons convicted for offences in circumstances which give rise for a need for medical reports before sentencing, he will, by advisory circulars, request magistrates to remand such persons to hospital or hospital wings within prisons.

Mr. Brittan

Courts have already been asked by Home Office circular to ensure that convicted persons on whom they wish to obtain medical reports should be remanded in custody only when essential and their attention has also been drawn to the facilities at four prison department establishments for conducting medical examinations on persons remanded on bail. It is for governors, in conjunction with medical officers, to decide the location in prison of persons remanded in custody for medical reports.