Written question asked by John M Taylor (Conservative) on Tuesday, 22 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 April 2005. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Monday, 4 April 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what guidance he has issued on whether people with epilepsy may be sectioned under the Mental Health Acts; and if he will make a statement on the case of Mr Martin Buckley, currently in the care of the National Society for Epilepsy, Buckinghamshire, whose mother is a constituent of the honourable Member.

Answer: Mr. John Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has issued on whether people with epilepsy may be sectioned under the Mental Health Acts; and if he will make a statement on the case of Mr. Martin Buckley, currently in the care of the National Society for Epilepsy, Buckinghamshire, whose mother is a constituent of the hon. Member. [223898] Ms Rosie Winterton: As epilepsy is not now regarded by clinicians as a mental disorder, I have issued no such guidance. The decision on whether a person meets the criteria for detention under the Mental Health Act can only be taken in the light of the facts of the particular case. I am unable to comment on the particular details of the case of Martin Buckley for reasons of patient confidentiality.

Secondary information