HC Deb 05 May 1959 vol 605 c280
Mr. Walker-Smith

I beg to move, in page 15, line 31, at the beginning to insert: Subject to the provisions of this section This Amendment goes with those in lines 33, 42 and 43.

These are drafting Amendments, and they do not affect the basic requirements of the Clause. What they do is, first, to rearrange the provisions in more logical order, and, secondly, to clarify the procedure of consultation by the mental welfare officer.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendments made: In line 33. leave out from "officer" to "shall" in line 41 and insert "and every such application".

In line 42, after "hospital", insert "to which admission is sought".

In line 43 leave out from first "application" to end of line 47 and insert: (2) An application for admission for treatment shall not be made by a mental welfare officer if the nearest relative of the patient has notified that officer, or the local health authority by whom that officer is appointed, that he objects to the application being made; and before making such an application it shall be the duty of the mental welfare officer to take such steps as are reasonably practicable to inform the person (if any) appearing to be the nearest relative of the patient of the proposed application and of his right to object thereto.—[Mr. Walker-Smith.]