Amendment 55

Part of Mental Health Bill [HL] - Committee (3rd Day) – in the House of Lords at 6:30 pm on 22 January 2025.

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Photo of Lord Scriven Lord Scriven Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Health) 6:30, 22 January 2025

I have listened to the noble Earl’s argument carefully, and in principle I support what he is trying to do. The only problem with leaving the matter to a statutory instrument, rather than putting it on the face of the Bill, is that it is far easier for the Secretary of State to change that, even despite the will of Parliament, based on the way that Parliament works. Why could it not be on the face of the Bill, to give absolute certainty, rather than in a statutory instrument, which normally gives flexibility and powers to a Minister?

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