HC Deb 05 May 1959 vol 605 cc265-6
Mr. K. Robinson

I beg to move, in page 13, line 22, after "premises" to insert "not being a hospital".

We had a fairly long discussion on Clause 22 in Committee, but it did not deal with the specific point to which the Amendment is directed. Since the Committee stage of the Bill it has been represented to me that under the wording of the Clause a mental welfare officer would be, or would appear to be, entitled to enter a hospital if he had reason to believe that there was a mentally disordered patient not under proper care. I can see that this is a highly unlikely occurrence, but at the same time it would also be an even more undesirable occurrence if there were to be the sort of conflict between the health authority and the hospital authority which the incursion of a mental welfare officer bent on such an errand would involve.

The Minister may say that these words are not necessary, but I am sure that he will agree that it is not the intention that the mental welfare officer shall have power of entry into a hospital, so, for the sake of clarification, it is, perhaps, desirable to include these words.

Mr. E. L. Mallalieu

I beg formally to second the Amendment.

Mr. Walker-Smith

It is not intended that the mental welfare officers shall be able to inspect the hospital premises. I agree with the hon. Gentleman that it is unlikely that they would make the attempt, but I equally agree with him that, in the Bill as drafted, there is nothing to preclude it. Therefore, I am happy to accept the Amendment, and I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for having brought it forward.

Amendment agreed to.