§ 34. Mr. Edelmanasked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that the certification of a constituent of the hon. Member for Coventry, North took place in accordance with the Lunacy Act, in view of the particulars which have been sent to him; why he has refused to give the wife of the constituent sight of the documents of certification; and whether he will inquire into the matter in order to ascertain whether the constituent referred to was, in fact, legally committed.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI have no reason to think that the correct procedure was not followed in this case. The documents relating to certification are confidential, but the patient has been informed of his statutory right to free copies of the documents, if he considers himself to have been unjustly detained. As the hon. Member is aware, I have already inquired fully into this case and satisfied myself that the procedure followed was in conformity with the law.
§ Mr. EdelmanIs the Minister aware that the wife of my constituent denies absolutely the statements attributed to her in the documents of certification, and that her husband was whisked away from home at only one hour's notice? In view of the circumstances, will the 768 Minister not look into this matter and, if necessary, open a formal inquiry, in the light of the very clouded circumstances which surround this case?
§ Mr. MacleodThe hon. Member knows perfectly well about these events, which occupied only a week or two in 1951. I have already looked into them with the greatest care. The hon. Member knows perfectly well from my answer that the patient has been told that, if he wants them, he can have a copy of the documents. The lunacy laws are extremely difficult and complicated, but if there is a matter of interpretation which the hon. Member would like to discuss with me, perhaps he will come and see me.