§ Mr. Bill WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to issue for consultation the code of practice under section 119 of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe draft code of practice has been issued today to a wide range of interests in the mental health field inviting comments on the code within four months. The issue of this draft code represents a further significant step towards improving the lives of people who suffer from mental disorder through the guidance it will offer to doctors, nurses and other professions in the care and treatment of such patients. I am sure the draft will stimulate much interest, and the Secretary of State and I look forward to considering responses to the consultation.