HC Deb 26 February 1959 vol 600 cc1276-7
9. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further progress he has made in his discussions with regard to the law relating to suicide; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I am pursuing, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, my study of the question how, if attempted suicide ceased to be a criminal offence, we could ensure that people who attempted to kill themselves and were in need of mental treatment would in fact receive it. We have obtained information about the way in which this problem is dealt with in other countries, and a meeting will shortly take place between officers of my Department and representatives of the Joint Committee of the British Medical Association and the Magistrates' Association which has considered this subject.

Mr. Robinson

I am grateful to the Home Secretary for the progress he has made, but is he aware that the joint report of the British Medical Association and the Magistrates' Association has now been considered by the Church of England, the Roman Catholic Church and the Non-conformists, and that none of these bodies has raised objections? Will the right hon. Gentleman expedite the consideration of this matter?

Mr. Butler

I am aware of those factors, which will be taken into account in connection with the meeting which is now to be held.

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