HC Deb 09 July 2002 vol 388 c836W
41. Mr. Burstow

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to implement the proposals in Making Decisions; and if he will make a statement. [65339]

Ms Rosie Winterton

The Government remain committed to reforming this important area of the law. When parliamentary time allows, it will legislate to improve and clarify the decision-making process for those who are unable to make decisions for themselves or who cannot communicate their decisions. In advance of securing parliamentary time, the Government are taking forward a number of initiatives that will benefit people, and enable legislation to be effective quickly. We are supported in this work by our recently established Consultative Forum on Mental Incapacity, involving a wide range of stakeholders, to develop a shared understanding of how we can best improve the lives of people with mental incapacity and their carers.

48. Stephen Hesford

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what measures she is taking to protect people with mental incapacity in the courts system. [65346]

Ms Rosie Winterton

The Government are working with the Consultative Forum on Mental Incapacity to develop a shared understanding of how we can best improve the lives of people with mental incapacity and their carers, and we remain committed to reforming this area of law.

Also, in civil proceedings the Official Solicitor can act on behalf of parties with mental incapacity. Guidance has been issued to court staff in the Crown and county courts on the service they should provide under the Disability Discrimination Act.

Forward to