HL Deb 29 May 1930 vol 77 cc1208-9

Page 17, line 41, at end insert: ("(5) The word 'lunatic' (except in the following contexts, that is to say, in the phrase 'criminal lunatic,' and in relation to persons detained as lunatics outside England) shall cease to be used in relation to any person of or alleged to be of unsound mind and there shall be substituted for that word wherever it occurs (except in the above-mentioned contexts) in any enactment or in any order, regulation or other document issued under any enactment the expression 'person of unsound mind,' 'person,' 'patient,' 'patient of unsound mind' or 'of unsound mind' or such other expression as the context may require. (6) The Minister of Health may by order modify the wording of any enactment so far as is necessary to bring it into conformity with the provisions of this section.")

EARL RUSSELL

My Lords, this Amendment provides that the word "lunatic" shall not be used where it can be helped. Of course, there are some cases where you will have to retain it. Therefore power is given to make the necessary substitution in the proper place. I beg to move that this Amendment be agreed to.

Moved, That this House doth agree with the Commons in the said Amendment.—(Earl Russell.)