HC Deb 20 January 1994 vol 235 cc786-7W
Ms Jowell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations she has received about a review of the Mental Health Act 1983; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Bowis

We have received a wide measure of support for the proposal, published in August 1993 in the report of the internal review of legal powers on the care of mentally ill people in the community, to amend the Mental Health Act with a new power of supervised discharge. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 28 December 1993 that she will be seeking the earliest opportunity to amend the Act to introduce this power. We have also received some representations including one from the Mental Health Act Commission for a wide review of the Act.

Ms Lynne

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many social workers were working in the mental health field in each of the last five years.

Mr. Bowis

This information is not available centrally.

Ms Lynne

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements are in place to deal with patients with mental health problems who require admission to hospital but for whom no bed is available.

Mr. Bowis

It is for health authorities to make arrangements to provide appropriate care and treatment for those who require admission to hospital.