HC Deb 17 February 1938 vol 331 cc2102-3W
Miss Horsbrugh

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the unsatisfactory condition of the present statutory law relating to lunacy and mental deficiency in Scotland; and whether he proposes to take any steps with a view to its revision and consolidation?

Mr. Elliot

Yes, Sir. I have appointed a committee, of which the Hon. Lord Russell has consented to be chairman, to review the law of Scotland relating to lunacy and mental deficiency.

The members of the committee are:

The Hon. Lord Russell (Chairman).

The Hon. Mrs. J. E. Hamilton.

Professor David Kennedy Henderson, M.D., F.R.F.P. & S., F.R.C.P.E.

Sir James Colquhoun Irvine, C.B.E., LL.D., F.R.S.

William Leonard, Esq., M.P.

Major Basil Hamilton Hebden Neven Spence, M.P.

William Donald Patrick, Esq., K.C.

Lord Provost John Phin.

Bailie Violet M. C. Roberton, C.B.E.

Professor Thomas Murray Taylor, M.A., LL.B.

Aidan Gordon Wemyss Thomson, Esq., M.B., Ch.B.

The terms of reference are:

To inquire into the existing law of Scotland relating to (a) the certification, detention and supervision of persons who are, or are alleged to be, of unsound mind, (b) the temporary or permanent release of such persons, (c) the arrangements made for persons who have not been certified but who are suffering from mental illness, including the powers and duties of local authorities with respect thereto, (d) the procedure followed in the case of lunatics who are dangerous or are alleged to be dangerous, (e) the procedure followed in the case of mental defectives accused of criminal offences, (f) the definition of mental deficiency, (g) the arrangements for dealing with mental defectives up to the age of 16 who are not in attendance at school, and for dealing with mental defectives on attaining the age of 16, and (A) the procedure followed in the case of mental defectives becoming temporarily insane; and to report what amendments, if any, are desirable as a preliminary step to the consolidation of the law of Scotland relating to lunacy and mental deficiency.