HC Deb 10 March 1958 vol 584 cc1-2
4. Dr. D. Johnson

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that cases are arising in which, through deliberate policy on the part of local authority officers, a person's own general practitioner has not been consulted prior to his compulsory removal to mental hospital; and if he will issue a circular pointing out to local authorities the undesirability of this practice.

The Minister of Health (Mr. Derek Walker-Smith)

I am not aware of such a policy being adopted nor, consequently, of the need to issue a circular.

Dr. Johnson

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that I can give him particulars of a number of cases? If I do so, and if he is satisfied with them, will he consider taking some steps on these lines as an interim measure before fresh legislation, which we know is due, is introduced?

Mr. Walker-Smith

I will, of course, be very happy to consider any evidence my hon. Friend is good enough to put before me, and I will certainly consider that evidence with a view to seeing whether any action is called for before legislation is introduced.