asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action is being taken to carry out his Department's responsibilities as laid down in the Mental Health Act 1959 for mentally-disordered offenders.

The Mental Health Act 1959 does not expressly impose duties on the Secretary of State in relation to mentally disordered offenders. Responsibility for providing treatment, care and services for such offenders through the NHS and the Personal Social Services is part of the more general responsibilities of the Secretary of State and health and local authorities for the mentally disordered as a whole. The Department is, however, conscious of the position of mentally disordered offenders and is seeking in every way it can to improve the situation.