asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he is expecting to be able to announce any decision with regard to the possible transfer of Mr. John Wilson from Rampton hospital.

Transfer of a patient from a special hospital to the NHS depends, among other things, on the availability of a bed in an appropriate hospital. Mr. Wilson is on a waiting list for a place at a hospital near to his home and the North East Thames regional health authority are endeavouring to secure his admission there. I have written to my hon. Friend.