§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list in theOfficial Report the occasions on which a parent or guardian of a minor does not need to sign the consent form for general anaesthetic; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanI have been asked to reply.
Parental consent to examination or treatment of a minor is not required in the following circumstances:
- 1. Where the child has reached age 16;
- 2. Where there is a medical emergency and parental consent is not obtainable;
- 3. Where a child has sufficient understanding of the treatment proposed to give consent on his or her own behalf. (It will be a matter of medical judgment as to whether any particular child has sufficient understanding).