§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has received a report on the escape of two patients from Carstairs state hospital; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 2 March 1994]: Yes. On 27 January two patients who were being transported from the west wing to the east wing of the State hospital, forced open the back door of the van and attempted to escape. They were in sight of security staff at all times and monitored by the hospital's close circuit television. They were apprehended within 90 seconds.
As a result of the incident rigorous daily checks are now carried out on all vehicles used for transporting patients at Carstairs.
The recent announcement by my noble and learned Friend to invest £14 million in the creation of the state hospital on a single site will remove the possibility of a recurrence of this type of incident.