§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that detained patients are receiving information under the Mental Health Act 1983; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenThe provision of information to detained patients is a statutory duty laid on hospital managers under section 132 of the Mental Health Act 1983. My Department has produced leaflets for issue to patients to help hospital managers meet this obligation. The Mental Health Act Commission was set up specifically to keep under review all the powers and duties conferred or imposed by the Act, including this particular duty. In the course of its regular visits to hospitals with detained patients, it is seeking to encourage good practice, and it will be reporting to Parliament on its findings next year.