Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 16 October 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 October 2008. It was answered by Phil Hope (Labour) on Monday, 27 October 2008 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Mentally Incapacitated: Protection

Question: (4) which Minister authorised the issue of the consultation document on his Department's proposed review of guidance on developing multi-agency policies and procedures to protect vulnerable adults from abuse;

Answer: On 16 October 2008, as part of the review of the local safeguarding guidance, ““No Secrets””, the Government launched a public consultation, ““Safeguarding Adults: A consultation on the Review of the 'No Secrets' Guidance””. A copy has already been placed in the Library and on the Department's website at"www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/DH_089098"The Department is leading the review, but it is a joint consultation document with the Ministry of Justice, The Solicitor-General and the Home Office. It is authorised by all four Ministers.The role of the Programme Board is to oversee the review of ““No Secrets””, including the consultation. The Advisory Group has met three times so far and it will meet at key points throughout the review.The aim of the listening events was to draw out key themes and issues in order to identify the key questions that the review should address. These have been published in the consultation document.Departmental officials spent a day in Scotland meeting a range of stakeholders, including Scottish officials, to discuss the Scottish legislation.

Secondary information