§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how the recommendations that(a) policy makers should ensure that consultation is clear, concise and widely accessible and (b) policy makers should give feedback regarding the responses received and how the consultation process influenced the policy, will be enacted in relation to the Draft Mental Health Bill, with reference to the Code of Practice on Government consultations. [151294]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonI have been asked to reply.
In line with the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on written consultation, the consultation document and draft Bill were made widely available in hard copy and on the Department of Health and the Stationery Office's websites. Hard copies were sent directly to key stakeholders such as voluntary organisations. Respondents could reply by letter or e-mail.
The Government's response to the consultation will be published prior to a revised and completed draft Bill being considered by a Pre-legislative Scrutiny Committee during this session. This will contain a summary of views expressed and reasons for the policies adopted, as well as the reasons for rejecting options that were not adopted. It will be available in hard copy and on the Department of Health website. At that time, copies of responses will be placed in the Library, except where respondents have asked for confidentiality.