HC Deb 17 March 2003 vol 401 c560W
Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Health under what circumstances a person would be(a) eligible and (b) ineligible to vote under the provisions in the draft Mental Health Bill. [103147]

Jacqui Smith

There are no proposals in respect of voting rights in the Mental Health Bill. In fact there is no such provision in the Mental Health Act 1983.

My noble Friend the Lord Chancellor, is responsible for the policy on eligibility to vote under the Representation of the People Act 1983 (as amended by the Representation of the People Act 2000).

I understand that he is considering the implications of the proposals in the Mental Health Bill on his policy for enfranchisement.