§ 3.7 p.m.
§ Read a third time.
§ Lord MottistoneMy Lords, on behalf of my noble friend Lord Rowallan, I beg to move that the Bill do now pass.
I wish to say on behalf of my noble friend how grateful he is, and how grateful I am, having taken part in the relevant debates, to those noble Lords and the noble Baroness who took part. I am grateful in particular to my noble friend Lord Howe on this Front Bench and the noble Lord, Lord Alderdice, on the Liberal Front Bench, who made good contributions to the Bill. I trust that the noble Baroness who responded so charmingly to the various points that were made can feel that tribute has been paid to her contribution. I only hope that when this Bill moves on to another place it receives much better treatment than the equivalent measure did some months ago. It is a Bill that is worthy of enactment.
Moved, That the Bill do now pass.—(Lord Mottistone.)
§ Lord DholakiaMy Lords, I support this amendment Bill. I do so in the absence of my noble friend Lord Alderdice, whose contribution on this matter is well known. I am aware that the Bill deals with only a small part of the Mental Health Act 1983. It is clear that there is a lack of government initiative in relation to certain parts of that Act. This measure is designed to put that right, and it deserves support.
§ Baroness Ramsay of CartvaleMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Mottistone, for his kind and generous words. I join him in thanking all noble Lords who contributed to debates on the Bill. Their contributions were well-informed, thoughtful and in the best traditions of this House. They enabled us to discuss a very important area of concern and interest.
For all the reasons that I gave at previous stages, the Government cannot support this Bill. However, as I have also stated previously, we are considering the need for a review of the Mental Health Act and will take careful account of the views expressed in the debates in this House.
On Question, Bill passed, and sent to the Commons.