HC Deb 08 July 2002 vol 388 c778W
Dr. Iddon

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department whether the responses received from the consultation on 'Making Decisions' were analysed to determine how many respondents were(a) in favour and (b) against the withholding of food and fluids from incapacitated patients not actually dying; and whether such an analysis will be conducted following the consultation on 'Withholding and Withdrawing Life-Prolonging Treatments: Good Practice in Decision Making'. [67207]

Ms Rosie Winterton

'Making Decisions' is a policy statement setting out the Government's proposals for making decisions on behalf of mentally incapacitated adults. It was issued in 1999 following on from a consultation paper: "Who Decides? Making Decisions on Behalf of Mentally Incapacitated Adults". The question posed by the hon. Member was not asked in that consultation paper. 'Withholding and Withdrawing Life-Prolonging Treatments: Good Practice in Decision Making' has recently been produced by the General Medical Council, not by my Department.