§ THE LORD GARDINERTo ask Her Majesty's Government:
What is the present position in relation to the pilot scheme proposed in 1969 by the National Association for Mental Health and the National Council for Civil Liberties for providing for representation and assistance to patients in mental hospitals applying for their discharge to Mental Health Review Tribunals.
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, DEPARTMENT or HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECURITY (THE LORD ABERDARE)The National Association for Mental Health was told in June, 1972, that the Department of Health and Social Security is, in principle, prepared to contribute to a suitably designed research element in this scheme but can not agree to bear the whole cost. Meanwhile, as the noble and learned Lord will be aware, under the Legal Aid and Assistance Act 1972 a patient of limited means can be given legal assistance, short of representation, in the preparation of his case to the Tribunal. This assistance can include arrangements for the attendance of witnesses.