§ Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will take steps to provide for more staff to be employed at the Newton Lodge secure unit in Wakefield so as to prevent any further escapes by inmates, following the escape on Friday 10 June of Carlos Brigins; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what steps are being taken to protect the security of patients at the Pinderfields, Stanly Royd, and Fieldhead hospitals in circumstances when inmates at the Newton Lodge secure unit are allowed in the grounds of those hospitals unaccompanied and without surveillance; and if he will make a statement;
(3) if he will make a statement on the security arrangements applied to inmates at the Newton Lodge secure unit in Wakefield when they are allowed out and away from the secure unit on parole.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe running of Newton Lodge regional secure unit, including security arrangements, is the responsibility of Wakefield health authority. The hon. Member may therefore wish to contact the chairman of that authority for the information he is seeking.