§ Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement on his policy on(a) the legislation of euthanasia and (b) the granting of legally binding status to advance directives; [6076]
(2) what plans he has to introduce legislation on advance directives, euthanasia, or the treatment of mentally incapacitated adults; and if he will make a statement. [6075]
§ Ms JowellWe have no plans to introduce legislation to legalise euthanasia. Advance directives, provided they contain lawful instructions, if validly made and applicable in the circumstances presenting, are already legally binding under the common law. My right hon. and noble Friend, the Lord Chancellor is considering what action to take on the Law Commission's proposals concerning mentally incapacitated adults.