The Government have consulted widely over eight years on changes to mental health legislation and have listened to the views of a broad range of stakeholders.
Work began on reviewing the current mental health legislation, the Mental Health Act 1983, in 1998, with the establishment of an expert committee. Since then, there has been a Green Paper, a White Paper, a Consultation Draft Bill in 2002, and a Draft Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny in 2004. There has also been widespread consultation on the so-called Bournewood safeguards. Consultation has shown this is an area where it is difficult to reach a consensus. As such there are both psychiatrists and organisations who support the Mental Health Bill, as well as those who oppose aspects of it.
The Government are confident that the Mental Health Bill which is currently before Parliament strikes the right balance between patient rights and protecting both patients and the public from harm.
[holding answer 11 December 2006]: The National Director for Mental Health, Professor Louis Appleby, has attended one meeting of Labour Members and Peers. He has also attended a briefing session that was open to Peers of all parties.
Professor Appleby is due to attend meetings of all party parliamentary groups for children and for mental health in the near future.
He has had no requests from other Members or Peers. While the Mental Health Bill is in Parliament, Professor Appleby would be willing to meet with any parliamentary group that wants to discuss the Bill.