asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will make a statement on conditions in psychiatric wards in Hackney hospital in the light of the report of the City and Hackney community health council;(2) if he will hold discussions with the City and Hackney district health authority about conditions in psychiatric wards in Hackney hospital;(3) if he will set up an inquiry into conditions in psychiatric wards in Hackney hospital.

I have seen a copy of a newsletter produced by Hackney community health council, which reported a number of allegations about conditions in psychiatric wards in Hackney hospital. Such allegations are matters for City and Hackney health authority to investigate in the first instance and take any action if appropriate.