Perinatal Mortality (White Paper)

HC Deb 04 December 1980 vol 995 cc165-6W

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he intends to publish the White Paper on perinatal mortality before the debate on Friday 5 December.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will set up an inquiry into the practice of carrying out psychosurgery without the consent of the patient; and if he will make a statement.

Sir George Young

No. Consent to treatment on the part of patients detained under the Mental Health Act 1959 raises difficult issues which we are examining in the context of the review of the Act.