Mental Health Act

HC Deb 18 December 2001 vol 377 c273W

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will bring forward the draft Bill for reform of the Mental Health Act 1983. [22957]

Jacqui Smith

We published the White Paper "Reforming the Mental Health Act" in December 2000. The White Paper made clear our intention to reform mental health legislation and bring it into line with the contemporary patterns of care and treatment including the changes and new investment set out in the NHS Plan, and to improve the provisions for high risk offenders, including those who are dangerous and severely personality disordered.

This is a high priority for the Government. New legislation will be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time allows.