§ Mr. EtheringtonTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will give people the statutory right to draw up an advance directive setting out their wishes with regard to future medical treatment should they become incapacitated in the future. [13909]
§ Mr. HoonThe Law Commission report on mental incapacity published in 1995 includes recommendations relating to advance statements (sometimes referred to as advance directives). As I indicated in my written answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Corby (Mr. Hope) on 28 October 1997,Official Report, column 787, the Government do not consider that it would be appropriate to legislate on the basis of these recommendations without fresh public consultation. It is hoped that a consultation paper will be issued by the end of the year.