§ Mr. StinchcombeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what powers he has to intervene in respect of a person(a) in psychiatric hospital and (b) elsewhere who is seeking to fast to death; and what guidance he has issued to (i) health care workers, (ii) social workers and (iii) others, in respect of the exercise of such powers. [161024]
§ Yvette CooperThe Secretary of State for Health has no power to intervene in respect of a person in a psychiatric hospital or elsewhere who is seeking to fast to death. The "Reference Guide to Consent for Examination or Treatment" published in March 2001 (www.doh.gov.uk/ consent) provides guidance on English law concerning consent to physical interventions that are relevant to all health care professionals. Further information concerning people detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 may be found in chapters 15 and 16 of the Mental Health Act Code of Practice.