HL Deb 04 July 2002 vol 637 cc51-2WA
Baroness Pitkeathley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have made a decision about the Wolvercote Clinic and about plans for the provision of residential treatment for sex offenders living in the community. [HL5076]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

In the interests of public protection, we have commissioned the National Probation Service to undertake a national review of the provision of residential treatment for sex offenders. This will encompass the work of the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, which runs the Wolvercote Clinic in Epsom.

We have also decided not to proceed with the relocation of the Wolvercote Clinic to Silverlands.

The Wolvercote Clinic will cease to operate at Horton Hospital in Epsom following the sale of the site. Contingency plans will be implemented for the nine remaining residents so that they can complete their treatment on a non-residential basis, and for those under licence or supervision formal contact with the authorities will continue.