§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many people have been transferred from Feltham Young Offenders Institution needing psychiatric help as defined under the Mental Health Act 1983 in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement; [63676]
(2) what is the average length of time taken for transfers to take place from Feltham Young Offenders Institution of individuals needing psychiatric help as defined under the Mental Health Act 1983; and if he will make a statement. [63783]
§ Mr. George HowarthThe following transfers from Feltham Young Offenders Institution to psychiatric hospital under sections 47 and 48 of the Mental Health Act 1983 took place in each of the years in question covering the period 1 April to 31 March:
Number 1993–94 7 1994–95 16 1995–96 36 1996–97 30 1997–98 31 The time taken to deal with transfers is not available in the form requested. Each case is dealt with according to the conditions of the patient and the availability of a suitable hospital bed.