asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what evidence he has that the release of mental patients under the provisions of the Mental Health Act, 1959, has led to an increase in crimes of violence.

The Mental Health Act, 1959, makes ample provision for compulsory detention in hospital of the kind of mentally disordered person who might be liable to commit offences if at large, and I have no reason to think that its enactment has led to any increase in crimes of violence.