HL Deb 23 February 2005 vol 669 cc214-5WA
Lord Maginnis of Drumglass

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is their objective that courts should observe a principle of non-intervention in decisions by medical practitioners which are dependent partly or wholly on considerations concerning the best allocation of scarce resources; and, if so:

  1. (a) how best allocation is to be defined;
  2. (b) whether medical and nursing staff will be allowed a conscience or opt-out right which will be evident to patients; and
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  3. (c) whether such an objective is compatible with the assurances the Government gave during consideration of the Mental Capacity Bill. [HL1303]

Baroness Andrews

The Question raises issues that are to be considered by the court in the appealGeneral Medical Council v Oliver Leslie Burke and others so it is inappropriate for the Government to comment in advance of the hearing.