§ Mr. MadelTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions her Department has had with Bedfordshire county council about the future of Oxenden house, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. Bowis[pursuant to his reply, 25 November 1993, c. 136]: I regret that there was an error in my previous reply which should have read:
The Department has been kept informed about recent developments in relation to Bedfordshire county council's children's home, Oxendon house. I understand that the acting principal of the home has been arrested by the police and that four other members of staff have been suspended. Following advice from the social services inspectorate, the county council is conducting an investigation into allegations of inappropriate therapies and restraint techniques and the general culture of the home. Meanwhile the home has been closed, the children relocated and 45 members of staff have been given leave of absence.The social services inspectorate is continuing to monitor the situation.