§ 130. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the concern that has arisen from the knowledge that a person can be certified as insane under the Lunacy Act, 1890, by one doctor at one interview lasting no more than five minutes, with the reasons for certification denied to the person concerned or to relatives; and what action it is proposed to take to minimise the risk of mistakes, which can have a grave effect on the liberty of the individual, and to bring this aspect of national life more into keeping with modern practice.
§ Mr. VosperI do not accept the implication. A summary reception order may be made by a justice of the peace on a certificate by one medical practitioner. It is for the justice himself to examine the person, to make inquiries and to satisfy himself that the person is of unsound mind and a proper person to be detained. The law on this subject is being reviewed by a Royal Commission at the present time.
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§ 131. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Health what provision is made to ensure that important documents and belongings of value taken into a mental institution by a person certified as insane under the Lunacy Act, 1890, are recorded; how this is done; where the record is kept; what information is given in this respect to the patient and relatives; and what precautions are taken to see that this provision is enforced.
§ Mr. VosperHospital authorities have recently been reminded of the importance of proper control and custody of money and valuables brought with them by patients, that wherever practicable the handing over of money or valuables should be witnessed by a third party who should certify the appropriate record, and that the control or custody of patients' money or valuables should not be delegated to ward staff. The record is kept in the hospital and is subject to examination by my auditors. I have no reason to suppose that information about property which has been so recorded is not available to patients or to others who may be entitled to have it.