Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has been able to assess the value of the work of the north west region Mental Health Act Commission following its first year of operation.
§ Mr. John Patten[pursuant to his reply, 12 November 1984, c. 144]: No. We are aware of the regional division of the commission's work, but we have not had cause to consider the performance of the separate regional teams. We have regular contact with the chairman, and we are well satisfied with the way the commission as a whole has undertaken its work in its first year of operation.
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Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if it is his intention to centralise the secretariat of the Mental Health Act Commission;
(2) whether he proposes to change the existing administrative arrangements for the Mental Health Act Commission regarding the maintenance of an adequately staffed regional office in the north-west.
§ Mr. John Patten[pursuant to his reply, 12 November 1984, c. 144]: A recent inspection of the staff serving the commission, which was concerned with the most efficient way of using those staffing resources, proposed that the secretariat be centralised. That proposal and others have been discussed with representatives of the commission and officers of our Department. The final report on this staff inspection is expected soon.
Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will consider extending the role of the Mental Health Act Commission to include the investigation of complaints from informal patients, particularly those who are effectively detained though still informal and those who complain about alleged coercive or restrictive practices.
§ Mr. John Patten[pursuant to his reply, 12 November 1984, c. 144]: We have no present intention of extending the existing remit of the Mental Health Act Commission.
§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the preparation of the code of practice by the Mental Health Act Commission; and when he intends to publish it.
§ Mr. John Patten[pursuant to his reply, 12 November 1984, c. 145]: Following extensive discussion and detailed work by sub-groups, the commission is making good progress with its drafting of the code of practice on admissions and treatment required by section 118 of the Mental Health Act 1983. I understand the commission's timetable provides for the submission of a comprehensive draft document to my right hon. Friend by March 1985. Before the code is laid before Parliament, the consultation required by the Act must be undertaken.