HC Deb 28 July 1959 vol 610 cc287-8
5. Dr. Dickson Mabon

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the present procedure for certification of lunacy; and what consideration he is giving to some amendment of the method.

Mr. Maclay

I am actively considering the recommendations made by the Committee of the Scottish Health Services Council for changes in the law in this and other respects.

Dr. Mabon

Does the Secretary of State realise that many doctors are very concerned about this matter, particularly about the actual form itself which, in the circumstances of modern treatment, does not allow enough space to provide all the details for certification, and some doctors are finding, because they cannot get in contact with the various officers of the district council concerned, that they are having to look after dangerous patients and mentally sick patients who ought to be in institutions without the several days' delay resulting from this gap in the certification procedure?

Mr. Maclay

As the hon. Gentleman knows, we have had very important Reports on this matter and discussions with the various interested bodies. All these matters are being studied.