asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what privileges are currently accorded to Mr. Peter Sutcliffe at Broadmoor hospital; what is the basis on which these privileges are permitted; if he receives any privileges not available to other patients of similar status; and if he will make a statement.

It would be an improper breach of medical confidence to discuss the circumstances of individual hospital patients. I can, however, tell my hon. Friend that a recent newspaper report concerning special privileges was in all important respects untrue and in some respects was quite ridiculously inaccurate.