Written question asked by Tim Collins (Conservative) on Monday, 24 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 February 2005. It was answered by Paul Goggins (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 February 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what factors he took into consideration before his decision to allow Peter Sutcliffe to visit Arnside in Cumbria on 17th January; and what costs were incurred in (a) preparing for and (b) undertaking that visit by (i) Cumbria Constabulary, (ii) Broadmoor and (iii) other public bodies. - Inc figures and fact that cost of preparing for the visit can be provided only at disproportionate cost. (Holding answer 27 January 2005).

Answer: Mr. Collins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what factors he took into consideration before his decision to allow Peter Sutcliffe to visit Arnside in Cumbria on 17 January; and what costs were incurred in (a) preparing for and (b) undertaking that visit by (i) Cumbria Constabulary, (ii) Broadmoor and (iii) other public bodies. [211310] Paul Goggins :[holding answer 27 January 2005]: In considering any leave of a restricted patient from a secure hospital on compassionate grounds, the Secretary of State makes a thorough assessment of any risks to the safety of others and the strength of the compassionate grounds. He also takes into account the potential distress to victims or victims' families. The costs of preparing for the visit can be provided only at disproportionate cost. On the day of the visit four staff were used from Broadmoor at an approximate cost of £1,800 as well as two police officers from Cumbria Constabulary at an approximate cost of £450.

Secondary information