HL Deb 13 May 1980 vol 409 cc252-4WA
Baroness MASHAM of ILTON

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether people suffering from a disability who are over the age of 16 have the right to be given medical information relating to their disability if this is being withheld by their parents or if their parents are ignorant of the conditions and consequences.

Lord CULLEN of ASHBOURNE

Patients, of whatever age, do not have an automatic right to receive medical information about themselves. The decision on what information should be disclosed to a patient or a close relative is one for the clinical judgment of the doctor concerned.

House adjourned at five minutes before ten o'clock.