§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidance he plans to issue on the grounds on which a patient can be detained under section 18 of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 and to clarify section 20(1)(b) of that Act.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythGuidance on the compulsory detention of patients under part V of the 1984 Act is contained in a code of practice currently lying before Parliament in terms of section 119 of the Act.
I am considering separately the question of clarification of section 20(1)(b) in the light of the circumstances of a particular case which the hon. Member has drawn to my attention and hope to reach conclusions shortly.