HC Deb 16 January 1980 vol 976 cc760-1W
Mr. Christopher Price

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many patients currently in each of the special hospitals are detained under (a) section 26, (b) section 60, (c) sections 60 and 65, (d) sections 71, 72, 73 and 74, and (e) sections 29, 25 or 136 of the Mental Health Act 1959.

Sir George Young

The information is as follows:

16 years, (d) 16 to 18 years, (e) 18 to 21 years, (f) 21 to 65 years, (g) 65 to 75 years, and (h) more than 75 years of age.

Sir George Young

The information as at 8 January 1980 is as follows:

whether he is satisfied that in each case the patient was capable of giving valid legal consent; and if the patient was not capable what form of consent was accepted.

Sir George Young

Sterilisation operations are not carried out in mental illness or mental handicap hospitals. Patients in these hospitals who require to be sterilised are treated in general hospitals which do not record the mental status of the patient. It is for the doctor in charge to ensure that legal and ethical requirements as to consent are observed.