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<p><ins class="ministerial">Prison may be used as a ‘place of safety’ if the court
is satisfied that an individual should be kept in custody for his/her own protection.
This is set out under the Bail Act 1976.</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial"> </ins></p><p><ins
class="ministerial">Specifically, for individuals with serious mental illness, the
Mental Health Act 1983 sets out that a person may be remanded in custody for between
7 and 28 days awaiting available treatment and detention in hospital.</ins></p><p><ins
class="ministerial"> </ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">The Ministry of Justice
does not hold data on either of the circumstances set out. The decision to remand
is taken by the individual sentencing court, and reasons for remand are not recorded
centrally.</ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial"> </ins></p><p><ins class="ministerial">The
Government is clear that those suffering from a mental disorder of a nature or degree
that warrants treatment and detention in hospital (i.e. a severe mental disorder)
should be able to access that treatment as quickly as possible. Our forthcoming response
to the independent review of the Mental Health Act will address the recommendation
in that context around prison as a ‘place of safety’.</ins><del class="ministerial">It
has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation.
Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.</del></p>
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