§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what funds were available, directly or indirectly, for the work of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland for each of the last five years.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThe funds available for the work of the Mental Welfare Commission during the lam five years have been as follows:
£ 1976–77 114,000 1977–78 110,000 1978–79 147,000 1979–80 181,000 1980–81 204,000
§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what appointments have been made to and resignations from or other cessation of membership of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland over the past 10 years.
§ Mr. Allan StewartSince 1971, four members have resigned, two have died and one has retired when the period of his appointment came to an end. Eight new members have been appointed during this period.
§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has made available to relatives of mental patients or others about the work of the Mental Welfare Commission.
§ Mr. Allan StewartPatients who are detained in mental hospitals or received into guardianship, and their nearest relatives, are as a matter of routine advised of their right to apply to the commission for a review of their cases or if they have any complaints about their treatment. Apart from this, hospital authorities take steps to notify all patients before visits by the Mental Welfare Commission, which take place twice a year, and arrangements are made for any who wish to meet the commission to do so
§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered broadening the remit of the Mental Welfare Commission; and what representations he has received on the subject.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThe commission already has extensive powers. My right hon. Friend has received no representations that these should be increased, but he is considering comments made by the commission in its recently-published report about possible amendments of the law that would modify its duties in minor respects.