HC Deb 27 January 1988 vol 126 cc248-9W
Mr. Goodlad

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what steps have been taken to implement the recommendation of the committee chaired by the director of prison medical services that arrangements should be made for patients in prison to be assessed by National Health Service medical staff prior to planning continuing care and support on release; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what steps have been taken to improve administrative procedures within his Department and the prison service following the report of the working group chaired by the director of prison medical services on the problems presented by mentally disordered offenders in the prison system in England and Wales;

(3) what measures are being taken following the report of the director of prison medical services on mentally disordered offenders in the prison system in England and Wales to ensure that the courts are fully aware of non-custodial options open to them and of the facilities available in the health system;

(4) what representations he has received on the report of the director of prison medical services on mentally disordered offenders in the prison system in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The Government welcomed this report of the inter-departmental working group of officials chaired by the director of prison medical services. As my right hon. Friend announced in response to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Norwich, North (Mr. Thompson) on 30 November 1987 at column349 the Government accept all 16 recommendations made. The administrative procedures referred to in that answer relate mainly to transfers from prison to hospital. In sending copies of the report to managing medical officers in prison service establishments the director of prison medical services has drawn attention to the recommendation in which they are able to make a contribution, particularly the need for transfer procedures to be initiated promptly when that course is clinically indicated.

The recommendations aimed at increasing the extent to which mentally disordered offenders are detained other than in prison custody, and advance planning where that is indicated for the release of those who receive prison sentences are to be taken forward in further discussion between Home Office and DHSS officials.

Copies of the report have also been sent to regional health authorities, chief probation officers and, on request, to a number of other organisations and individuals. We have received no representations on the report. The initial impression gained by officials is that it is recognised as a useful move forward in a difficult area.