§ Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance has been issued on the practice of courts sending offenders to the Newton Lodge, Wakefield secure unit; what information he has on the current practice; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenCourts have powers under the Mental Health Act 1983 to authorise the detention of accused and convicted persons in hospital if the relevant requirements of the Act are met. The Home Office has issued circulars on the provisions of the Act in 1983 and 1984, but we do not provide guidance on the use of these powers in relation to individual secure units. We maintain regular contact with the Newton Lodge unit whose management is the responsibility of the district health authority.