§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals the Mental Welfare Commission has made to him for changing the conditions under which electro-convulsive therapy is administered. [15420]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonMy right hon. Friend has received no such proposals from the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for changes in the law about the control of electro-convulsive therapy treatment. [15421]
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 19 February 1996]: My right hon. Friend has no immediate plans to change the law relating to electro-convulsive therapy. Consideration is, however, being given to the report of the Scottish Law Commission on incapable adults, which covers this subject.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received regarding the desirability of two doctors being required to authorise electro-convulsive therapy treatment. [15418]
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 19 February 1996]: My right hon. Friend has received a number of representations from members of the public, local authorities and Members of Parliament that a second medical opinion should be obtained in any case where electro-convulsive therapy is proposed as part of a patient's treatment plan.
The report from the Scottish Law Commission on incapable adults, which we are presently considering, also bears on this subject.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what procedures are followed where a change is made to the conditions under which electro-convulsive therapy treatment is administered in Scottish hospitals. [15419]
69W
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 19 February 1996]: In such circumstances, guidance would normally be issued by the Scottish Office.