§ 15. Mr. W. J. Brownasked the Minister of Health why, while normally the signatures of two doctors are necessary to certify that a person is insane, in the case of persons in public institutions one certificate is held to suffice; and whether he will ensure that the occupant of a public institution is not worse situated in this respect than the ordinary citizen.
§ Mr. BevanThe number of medical certificates required under the Lunacy Act is determined not by the nature of the institution to which the patient is admitted but by the Section of the Act under which proceedings are taken. The Lunacy Act has, however, been amended by the National Health Service Act, and when this comes into operation the procedure involving the use of two certificates, which hitherto has applied only in the case of private patients, will be available in all cases if the relatives desire to avail themselves of it.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas MooreHow many doctors are required to certify the Government of the right hon. Gentleman as insane?