§ 4. Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with the operation of the present legislation governing the treatment of mental health patients; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonThe Mental Health Act has been in operation for just three years and, in general terms, it is working well. My right hon. Friends, the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Social Services, are currently seeking views on options for amending the present legislation as regards the treatment of psychopathically disordered offenders and on proposals for procedural changes within the existing statutory provisions. Other amendments have been suggested, and will be considered, but the 1983–84 changes are still very recent.