asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that patients are fully informed of possible harmful side effects of electro-convulsive therapy before agreeing to treatment.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists' recent memorandum on the use of ECT indicates that it is a medical responsibility to ensure that the patient is given an explanation of the procedure, benefits and possible dangers of ECT and that the doctor and patient should sign to the effect that such explanation has been given. I have no reason to believe that this recommended procedure is not being followed, but I am financing a study to obtain detailed knowledge of present practice.