§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he intends to seek to amend section 31 of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1960 under which a patient may be detained indefinitely by successive seven-day recommendations signed by one doctor.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThis is being considered, but an amendment of section 31 of the 1960 Act cannot be given a high priority at present. There is no evidence to suggest that the powers available under this provision are being abused.