§ Order for Second Reading read.
10.46 pm§ The Solicitor-General (Sir Ian Percival)I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time.
This measure is purely a consolidation measure, bringing together the law relating to mentally disordered persons. The principal Act is the Mental Health Act 1959. The Act has been amended on numerous occasions over the years. The Mental Health (Amendment) Act 1982 made further extensive amendments and introduced new provisions for the treatment and discharge of mental patients. This is a good time for consolidation.
The Bill was considered by the Joint Committee, to which we are indebted for its labours. Minor amendments will be necessary in Committee, but I commend it to the House.
§ Question put and agreed to.
§ Bill accordingly read a Second time.
§ Bill committed to a Committee of the whole House.— [Mr. Douglas Hogg.]
§ Committee tomorrow.