§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services under what section of what statute health authorities make arrangements for non-British citizens resident in the United Kingdom who have been certified under the Mental Health Acts to be removed from the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. John PattenSection 86 of the Mental Health Act 1983 contains a power under which my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary may, after obtaining the agreement of a mental health review tribunal, authorise the removal of such a detained patient. The memorandum of guidance on the Mental Health Act advises health authorities on the procedures to be followed. In some cases patients are repatriated by agreement without recourse to these formal powers.