§ Mrs. Faithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will seek to amend the Mental Health Act 1959 to provide that mental health tribunals may order a period of supervision of a patient after release.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe new powers that have been given to mental health review tribunals by the Mental Health (Amendment) Act 1982, will provide what my hon. Friend seeks when they take effect on 30 September this year. Under section 39 of that Act, tribunals will be able to recommend discharge at some specified future date to allow time for arrangements to be made for care and support after discharge; leave of absence, to see how the patient copes with a limited period in the community; or transfer to another perhaps less secure hospital.