§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many patients at Park lane hospital have been granted privileges to live at an outside hostel or to study at university while subject to a restriction order in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggDuring the last five years one patient subject to a restriction order has been given permission to leave Park lane hospital to attend a college of further education. None has been given leave to attend a university. Two patients in 1983, two in 1985 and one in 1987 were granted leave from the hospital to live at an outside hostel on a trial basis.
§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance his Department issues to special hospitals on the provision of unescorted trips for inmates who have not been approved for release by mental health tribunals.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggUnder sections 41 and 49 of the Mental Health Act 1983, persons detained in hospital subject to restriction orders may be granted leave of absence only with my right hon. Friend's consent. Consent is given only when, on the best assessment that can be made in advance, there appears to be no serious risk to the patient or to the public.
689W
§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many patients detained under the Mental Health Acts have been released from(a) Park lane, (b) Rampton and (c) Broadmoor hospitals in each year since 1979; and how many of those released have since reoffended.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe readily available information is given in the table:
Discharges into the community of patients subject to special restrictions on discharge from special hospitals Broadmoor Park Lane Rampton 1979 18 1 11 1980 18 1 14 1981 6 4 18 1982 21 1 4 1983 4 10 10 1984 9 22 18 1985 12 19 10 1986 5 6 15