§ Mr. Dewarasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if his Department has given any guidance to the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland as to the policy of making unannounced visits to hospitals; and whether that policy is still being followed.
§ Mr. RifkindYes, though the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland is an independent body and it must answer for how it carries out its statutory duties. I understand that the commission and health boards have agreed arrangements about notifying the commission's intention to undertake visits to hospitals. It makes unannounced visits when this is felt to be justified.