HC Deb 03 April 1995 vol 257 cc891-2W
Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department who are the members of the inter-departmental working party established by the Lord Chancellor to prepare the Government's response to the Law Commission report on mental incapacity; what specific remit the working party has been given; whether the working party will be taking further written or oral evidence; what steps are being taken to ensure that the working party endorses the Government's policy of opposition to euthanasia and if he will make a statement. [17754]

Mr. John M. Taylor

The working group is made up of officials from the Lord Chancellor's Department, the Department of Health, the Home Office, the Department of Social Security, the Welsh Office and the Treasury. The terms of reference of the group are:

  • To co-ordinate the Government response to the Law Commission report on mental incapacity published on 1 March 1995.
  • To produce an initial report by 1 September 1995.

No decisions have yet been taken as to whether the group will take further written or oral evidence.

The Government consider euthanasia to be unacceptable and the working group has no remit to consider any change to this policy.