§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he will publish the revised Mental Health Bill; [140987]
(2) whether the consultation responses to the draft Mental Health Bill will be published before the proposed pre-legislative scrutiny committee on the bill is appointed; [140989]
(3) whether the proposed pre-legislative scrutiny committee on the Mental Health Bill will consider a revised version of the draft Mental Health Bill; [140990]
(4) what revisions he proposes to make to the draft Mental Health Bill. [140991]
§ Ms Rosie Winterton[holding answer 1 December 2003]A revised and completed Mental Health Bill will be brought forward for pre-legislative scrutiny as soon as possible.
We have been carefully considering the responses to consultation on the draft Bill that was published in June 2002, and further points raised in subsequent meetings with stakeholders.
The Government's response to the consultation will be published prior to introduction of the Bill. It will be available in hard copy and on the Department's website. At that time, copies of responses to the draft Bill will be placed in the Library, except in cases where respondents have asked for confidentiality.
The Government response will set out the changes that have been made to the Bill.
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§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) whether he intends that Members of both Houses should be included on the proposed pre-legislative scrutiny committee on the Mental Health Bill;[141032]
(2) what remit he proposes for the proposed pre-legislative scrutiny committee on the Mental Health Bill. [141033]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonA revised and completed Mental Health Bill will be brought forward for pre-legislative scrutiny in this session.
What committee, or form of committee, should conduct the pre-legislative scrutiny is currently under negotiation through the usual channels in both Houses.