Mental Health Bill [HL]

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 10:00 pm on 15 January 2007.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Lord Williamson of Horton Lord Williamson of Horton Convenor of the Crossbench Peers 10:00, 15 January 2007

I support the amendment proposed by the noble Earl, Lord Howe. As he stated, 16 and 17 year-olds deemed competent can, currently, consent to admission to hospital and treatment. If they refuse, they can be admitted by parental authority under the Family Law Reform Act 1969, producing the rather anomalous situation to which the noble Earl referred.

The key point for me is that, in those circumstances, a young person admitted to hospital does not have the various protections given under the Mental Health Act. Are we or are we not going to make those available? I would be grateful if the Minister could confirm what he believes to be the current situation, as some practitioners are in disagreement about it. If it is as we state, could it be corrected?