§ Mr. Kilroy-Silk asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has now reviewed progress made in the first six months of 1981 in the transfer of patients from special hospitals; what conclusions he has reached; and whether he plans any action as a result.
§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg:Figures are now available for the first nine months of 1981—to 30 September. They show that in that period 169 patients were transferred from special hospitals to National Health Service hospitals compared with 106 transfers in the corresponding period in 1980—a very significant improvement. My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State, the Lord Elton, who now has oversight of matters to do with mental health and mental handicap, will continue to monitor the position.