Orders of the Day — Mental Capacity Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 4:54 pm on 11 October 2004.

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Photo of Iain Duncan Smith Iain Duncan Smith Conservative, Chingford and Woodford Green 4:54, 11 October 2004

We seem to be having this debate by proxy, but as we are into it, perhaps I can use the right hon. Gentleman's time. Other issues are not answered in the Bill. In particular, the doctor concerned will have to make such a decision in a very compressed time scale. If there is a doubt, do we honestly think that the doctor will have time to consider the document, to consider the person who has power of attorney, and to have discussions and consultations? Of course he will not. He will be worried about acting and getting it wrong: about what will happen if he resuscitates and is promptly proceeded against in a court of law. Some serious issues are not answered at all in the Bill.