Mental Capacity Bill
Public Bill Committees, 26 October 2004
Mr George Howarth (Knowsley North & Sefton East, Labour)
On a point of order, Mr. Hurst. I wonder whether you can assist me. I have been reflecting on last week's deliberations, particularly those on the best interests test under clause 4. There was a large degree of agreement on the point that we want to reach, but no agreement on how to achieve it, such as by altering the clause if necessary. Before Report stage, it might be helpful if the Committee collectively took advice from the British Medical Association and other organisations about how to improve the clause. I suspect that the answer will be that such action is not possible, but I seek your guidance, Mr. Hurst.
Mr Alan Hurst (Braintree, Labour)
We cannot go further back in the Bill than the point that we have now reached. Any new matters or amendments to clauses that have already been dealt with will have to be considered on Report.Clause 9 Lasting powers of attorney