§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what discussions she has had with representatives of Bradford community health trust; what matters were discussed; and what action she has taken following such discussions;
(2) if she will instruct the Bradford community health trust to close the secure unit located at Lynfield Mount hospital in Bradford; and if she will establish an independent public inquiry into how a remand prisoner escaped from the grounds of the hospital at the end of June.
§ Mr. BowisOfficials from the national health service executive have regular discussions with Bradford community health national health service trust and have asked Professor Michael Schofield, chairman of the trust, to keep them informed, following the escape of a patient from Lynfield Mount hospital. We understand that the trust is to establish an independent external review panel to look at the policies and procedures of the special care unit at the hospital and that the panel's recommendations will be made public.