§ Lord Mottistoneasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many doctors approved under the Mental Health Act 1983, Section 12, have been appointed by each regional health authority; and what steps have been taken to ensure that regions are increasing the appointment and availability of Section 12 doctors in response to the recommendations of the Second Biennial Report of the Mental Health Commission.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Lord Skelmersdale)I regret this information is not held centrally. New guidance to regional health authorities on the approval of doctors under Section 12 of the Mental Health Act will be issued shortly for consultation. It will stress the importance of having sufficient approved doctors, and regional health authorities will be asked to encourage adequate numbers of suitably qualified doctors to apply for approval. The Mental Health Act Commission will be one of the organisations consulted.