HC Deb 02 March 1999 vol 326 cc667-8W
17. Dr. Julian Lewis

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the advantages of men and women being segregated while in-patients in psychiatric units. [72393]

Mr. Hutton

No formal assessment has been carried out. However, we are well aware of the risks that can arise when men and women are cared for together and want to minimise these risks. That is why the achievement of safe facilities for the mentally ill which protect their privacy and dignity is one of our main objectives.