§ Ms. Harriet Harmanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what evidence he has about the incidence of attacks of violence against social workers by their clients.
§ Mr. Whitney[pursuant to his reply, 29 April 1986, c. 769]: Recognising the hon. Lady's concern with these matters, I should inform the House and her that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has decided that it would be right to hold a further and wider inquiry into the death of Miss Isabel Schwarz at the hands of a former mental patient in July 1984, in consultation with Bexley health authority, and Bexley and Lewisham social services departments. The inquiry will be into the management of arrangements for the care and aftercare of Miss Sharon Campbell, an ex-Bexley patient who has since her appearance in court in January 1985 been a patient in Broadmoor hospital. My noble Friend has written to the chairmen of the three authorities. Officials will discuss urgently the precise form of the inquiry, and a further 299W announcement will be made as soon as possible. The intention is to investigate services and not to attribute blame to individuals.