§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many patients receiving treatment for mental illness in Scottish hospitals were eligible to vote in 1990.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe information requested is not available.
§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to assist long-term patients receiving treatment for mental illness in Scottish hospitals to exercise their right to vote in local and parliamentary elections.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythGuidance to health boards relating to the electoral registration of informal patients in mental illness and mental handicap hospitals was last issued in 1987 and the need for further guidance is kept under review. Explanatory leaflets for patients are distributed within relevant hospitals and informal patients are given the opportunity prior to 10 October each year to complete the necessary patient's declaration form.