§ Mr. Berminghamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many patients from black and ethnic minority communities are detained in each special hospital;
(2) if he is satisfied with the training received by staff at Broadmoor hospital into the physical handling of patients; and what steps he will be taking to remedy any deficiencies;
(3) if he will take steps to prevent the administration in any circumstances of the emergency medication 500 mg sodium amytal and 200 mg sparine;
(4) if he will make a statement about the death of Michael Martin on 6 July at Broadmoor hospital; whether his Department, as managers of the hospital, will be holding their own inquiry into the incident; and whether the findings will be made public;
(5) what guidance is available for the management of disputes between patients or between patients and staff and which lead or are likely to lead to violence; and what charges, if any, are envisaged as a result of the death of Michael Martin on 6 July at Broadmoor hospital;
(6) if he will explain in detail the arrangements at Broadmoor hospital under which nurses can prescribe and administer medication in emergencies, and, in particular indicate if there is a list of patients to whom such procedures can be applied;
(7) on how many times urgent treatment under section 62 of the Mental Health Act 1983 has been administered at Broadmoor hospital since 30 September 1983;
(8) what is his policy about the use of seclusion in special hospitals; if he will set out in detail what it is for each special hospital; and what amendments will be made in the light of the verdict of the Bracknell coroners' court in the inquest into the death of Michael Martin at Broadmoor hospital.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe are considering whether to hold an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Michael Martin and what form the inquiry might most appropriately take, in the light of the inquest verdict. We shall announce our decision shortly. The purpose of any inquiry would be to help draw out whatever lessons are to be learned. It is likely that the findings of an inquiry would be made public. I shall let the hon.728W Member have a reply as soon as possible to those of his questions which would not require prior consideration by any inquiry team.