§ Sir Fergus Montgomeryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the progress of implementation of the Mental Health Act 1982.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe new Act came into effect in 1983 as the Mental Health Act 1983. Its main provisions became operative on 30 September 1983, and the remaining provisions relating to the powers to remand patients to hospital became operative on 1 October 1984. In December last year my right hon. Friend issued a further circular to local authorities containing directions about the appointment of approved social workers under the Act.
The Mental Health Act Commission was established under the Act with effect from 1 September 1983. Commissioners make regular visits to all hospitals where patients are detained, and they are currently dealing with some 700 individual inquiries and complaints each year and arranging some 2,500 visits for second opinions on treatment. Their first biennial report was laid before Parliament in October 1985, and they have produced a draft code of practice on admissions and treatment and a discussion paper on consent to treatment. Officials are considering the extensive comments received in last year's cconsultation on the draft code of practice, and there will be further consultation before my right hon. Friend presents a definitive code to Parliament for approval prior to publication.
Although the changes the 1983 Act brought about are still recent, in general it is working satisfactorily. We shall keep its operation under review.