Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Rix (Crossbench). It was answered on Thursday, 2 July 2009.

Disabled People: UN Convention

Question: My Lords, when will the Government’s reservations to Article 12.4 be reviewed, given that they have indicated that a review system of legal appointees should be introduced?

Answer: My Lords, as the noble Lord has mentioned, we entered a reservation with regard to mental capacity issues. We did that because, although we have a system in place where people can be supported and appointed to receive benefits on behalf of others, we do not have a formal review procedure. We need to do that to be compliant with the convention but, as we have stated and made clear, we intend to introduce that system. Regrettably, it cannot be done overnight because a number of people are involved with this; it could take some two years. However, we are intent on removing the reservation as quickly as we can.

Secondary information