§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will require regional health authorities to review their recruitment of doctors for duties under section 12 of the Mental Health Act 1983 to ensure that the numbers are sufficient to respond promptly to requests for assessment under the Act.
§ Mr. BowisWe carried out a survey in 1993 of regional health authorities' arrangements for approving doctors under section 12 of the Act. The results indicated that the Department's guidance was being properly implemented and the numbers of doctors approved were sufficient. The Department is also discussing with the Royal College of Psychiatrists the training given to approved doctors about their responsibilities under the Act.