HC Deb 19 July 1965 vol 716 c1109
10. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the increasing use made of admissions under Section 29 of the Mental Health Act, 1959, as a proportion of compulsory admissions; and if he will take steps to ensure more use of Section 25 with its greater safeguards.

Mr. K. Robinson

I am aware that Section 29 is widely used; a study is being undertaken in my Department and I shall decide in the light of its findings whether further guidance to hospital authorities is called for.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

Is the Minister aware that to say that Section 29 is widely used is not to give a complete picture? Is he aware that it is becoming increasingly more widely used and that this is a Section which was intended for use in emergency only and, in the light of protecting the rights of the citizen, should be used only in those circumstances?

Mr. Robinson

It is a fact that the admission figures for 1964 show 20,494 Section 29 admissions against 9,810 Section 25 admissions, but to keep the matter in perspective I should add that it was estimated at the end of 1964 that over 90 per cent. of patients in psychiatric beds were receiving treatment informally and only 1 per cent. under Sections 25 and 29.