§ 43. Mr. George Gardinerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she is satisfied with the working of mental health review tribunals under the Mental Health Act 1959, in view of the case of Mr. Patrick David Mackay; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. OwenIn general, I am satisfied that the tribunals, which have considered nearly 3,000 cases in the last five years, have performed their difficult tasks conscientiously and well. But I share the concern about the serious offences recently committed by this former patient who was discharged by two separately constituted tribunals in 1969 and 1972 respectively, and accept the need for a 153W review of the functions and powers of tribunals, in the light of the Butler Committee recommendations and this and another recent case. This will be part of the general review of the Mental Health Act now being undertaken by an inter-Departmental working party, following the Butler Report.