§ 44. Mr. Moonmanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what she intends to do about patients' assets in psychiatric hospitals; what procedure she advises hospital secretaries to follow in such hospitals when patients die intestate; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. OwenThe protection and management of the property and affairs of persons under disability whether or not they are patients in hospital are carried out by the court of protection.
The action to be taken when a patient dies intestate in a psychiatric hospital is the same as for a patient who dies in a general hospital. A circular giving guidance about these matters was sent to health authorities in July 1972—I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend.