§ 39. Mr. Cooper-Keyasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that under the provisions of the Lunacy Act, 1890, as amended by the National Health Service Act, 1946, a person can be seized and removed to a mental hospital against the wishes of the appropriate relative, but must be subsequently discharged on the direction of that relative, unless the patient is both dangerous and unfit to be at large; and what steps he is taking to correct this contradiction in the Act which is causing unnecessary distress.
§ Mr. BevanThe amendment effected by the National Health Service Act enlarged the powers of discharge. The operation of these provisions will be carefully observed with a view to obviating anomalies when amending legislation can be undertaken.