§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to ensure that former mental hospitals within the former metropolitan regional health authorities are cleared and made safe. [5186]
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§ Mr. BurnsIf a former mental hospital is owned by a national health service trust the responsibility for closure and subsequent security lies with the trust.
If the property is owned by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health, the responsibility for closure and any decommissioning lies with the trust occupying the property. Once it is vacant, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health, through the regional office of the NHS executive, becomes responsible for day-to-day management and security. The security arrangements will depend upon the nature of the property but will normally comprise 24-hour presence of security guards and boarding up. If appropriate, demolition will be instigated.