HC Deb 03 June 1957 vol 571 cc882-3
31. Dr. D. Johnson

asked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement of his policy in regard to the implementation of the recommendations of the Report of the Royal Commission on the Laws Relating to Mental Illness and Mental Deficiency.

39. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make a statement on the Report of the Royal Commission on the Law Relating to Mental Illness and Mental Deficiency.

Mr. Vosper

I welcome this valuable and comprehensive Report, and I am at present studying the many recommendations made in it. I must have time to consider them before making any further statement. But I am glad to have this opportunity of expressing the Government's gratitude to the Chairman and members of the Royal Commission for undertaking this important inquiry.

Dr. Johnson

Will my right hon. Friend first accept the assurance of all those interested in reform of the law of support for any steps he may take in implementing these recommendations? Will he, in particular, take some action, prior to legislation—which we realise must take time—on those recommendations which do not require legislation, particularly the review of patients at present in hospital?

Mr. Vosper

I am very pleased to note the first point made by my hon. Friend. Most certainly I shall consider what can be done by administrative means in advance of any legislation.

Mr. Blenkinsop

First, may I also assure the right hon. Gentleman of the welcome from this side of the House for this Report? Secondly, may I ask him to use his best endeavours to get a day set aside for a debate on it as early as possible after the Whitsun Recess?

Mr. Vosper

That does not rest with me, but I personally should welcome a debate on this Report.

Mrs. Braddock

Will the Minister accept from me on behalf of the Commission our thanks for the very kind words he has spoken today about the work it has done? Will he consult the Leader of the House on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, East (Mr. Blenkinsop) about having a debate? Is he aware that the country is very concerned about the position? There seems to be a great deal of agreement on both sides of the House about the Report, and a full debate as soon after the Recess as possible would be very much appreciated.

Mr. Vosper

I wish to thank the hon. Member for her contribution to this Report, and also to thank her for her remarks. I will consult my right hon. Friend, and I have also noted the Motion on the Order Paper.

[That this House welcomes the publication of the Report of the Royal Commission on the Law relating to Mental Illness and Mental Deficiency; and places on record its admiration of the work of those concerned with all branches of our mental health services.]

Mr. K. Robinson

Will the right hon. Gentleman agree that, as a result of the recommendations of the Royal Commission, the present procedures will now give rise to increased anxieties and frustrations on the part of parents, psychiatrists and patients? Is not that an added reason for early action on the recommendations?

Mr. Vosper

That is certainly true, but the hon. Member will realise that any legislation will be of a very complicated and prolonged nature and must receive adequate consideration before it is introduced.