§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in the light of representations from the medical profession that the Mental Health (Amendment) Bill relegates the importance of the consultant psychiatrist vis-a-vis social workers and psychologists and makes the position of family medical practitioners more difficult, particularly in emergency situations, he remains satisfied that the provisions of the Bill are those which best provide for the welfare of the patient.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeYes. I do not believe that the provisions of the Bill relegate the importance of psychiatrists or diminish their responsibility for the treatment of their patients in any way.