§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research has been conducted in the United Kingdom on the justification for community treatment orders; whether any such research is under consideration; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanWe have just received the preliminary results of research commissioned by the Department of Health from Dr. Tom Sensky of Riverside health authority, London which examined the need for a community treatment order. I am not aware of any further research under consideration at present.
§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to publish his proposals for the introduction of community treatment orders; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanWe understand that in due course, the Royal College of Psychiatrists will be giving us their views on the possible role of new legal powers to ensure compulsory treatment in the community. We will then explore this issue with all the interested parties involved. Without prejudicing the discussion, we would need to be very clear both of the benefits, and that they could not be achieved through voluntary means, before seriously considering asking Parliament to create provision for compulsory treatment in the community.