§ 80. Mr. Brewisasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications have been made to the Mental Welfare Commission in the last two years alleging improper detention of patients; how many formal hearings have taken place; and what has been the result of such applications, both when there has been a formal hearing and when there has not.
§ Mr. RossI understand that during the two years ending 31st December, 1968, the Mental Welfare Commission considered 306 applications for discharge; in no case was the patient found to be improperly detained, but the Commission 115W think it likely that in a number of cases their consideration led to a change in the patient's circumstances, e.g., discharge by the responsible medical officer or leave of absence from the hospital.
It is not the practice of the Commission to investigate applications for discharge by formal hearing unless in exceptional circumstances, as in their view this procedure is more appropriate for appeals to the sheriff.