HC Deb 24 February 1997 vol 291 cc70-1W
Ms Jowell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the date of the report which was made by the suspended chief executive of Ashworth hospital into her investigation of the allegations made by Stephen Daggett; when it was sent to the chair and chief executive of the High Security Psychiatric Services Commissioning Board; and what action was taken on that report. [16923]

Mr. Burns

The chief executive of Ashworth hospital wrote to the chief executive of the High Security Psychiatric Services Commissioning Board on 5 February 1997.

The action taken subsequently is covered in my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's statement to the House of 10 February 1997, Official Report, columns 21–30.

Ms Jowell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what were the grounds for the suspension of the chief executive of Ashworth hospital; and what ministerial involvement there was in the decision. [16924]

Mr. Burns

The decision to suspend the chief executive of Ashworth hospital by the chairman of Ashworth Hospital Authority followed serious allegations concerning the personality disorder unit at Ashworth hospital.