§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish a White Paper on the reform of the Mental Health Acts; and if he will make a statement. [34071]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 7 February 2002]: 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.
New legislation will be introduced as soon as parliamentary time allows.