§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many ECT treatments were carried out in England and Wales in the last year; and what proportion of these were given to people compulsorily under the Mental Health Act 1983. [19293]
§ Mr. BoatengReliable information on the number of people receiving Electro-convulsive Therapy (ECT) in England is not available centrally. During 1996–97 2,378 second opinions were given for ECT under Section 58 of the Mental Health Act 1983 by doctors appointed by the Mental Health Act Commission. This figure does not include patients who gave their consent for this treatment. Questions relating to Wales are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.