HC Deb 16 February 1987 vol 110 cc433-4W
Mr. Cunliffe

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to take powers to prevent the release from special hospitals of persons with previous convictions for violence.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Under the Mental Health Act 1983, persons who are the subject of special restrictions can be discharged from special or other hospitals only with the consent of my right hon. Friend or on the direction of a mental health review tribunal.

Mr. Cunliffe

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people, subject to a hospital order as a result of violent offences, have been released on licence from a special hospital and subsequently have been convicted of similar offences in each of the past 10 years.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The only readily available information relates to all persons detained in special hospitals in England and Wales under part V of the Mental Health Act 1959 and Criminal Procedure (Insanity) Act 1964 subject to special restrictions on discharge, who were conditionally discharged in the years 1974–79. Of the 157 such persons (not including those who died or were repatriated) 17 were convicted of a 'grave' offence within five years of discharge ('grave' offences cover mainly homicide, serious wounding, rape, buggery, robbery, aggravated burglary and arson).