Written question asked by David Amess (Conservative) on Tuesday, 6 September 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 8 September 2011. It was answered by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 13 September 2011 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Euthanasia

Question: (2) what recent representations he has received on the recent statements by his Department's Dementia Champion on assisted dying; what response he gave to the representations; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The comments attributed to Martin Green were made in his capacity as the chief executive of the English Community Care Association, and not in his role as the Dementia Champion for the independent sector, and do not reflect the Government's position.The Government believe that any changes to the law, in this emotive and contentious area is an issue of individual conscience and a matter for Parliament to decide rather than Government policy. Assisted dying remains unlawful in the United Kingdom. This is the position that Ministers have set out in response to any inquiries on this matter.Neither Ministers nor officials from the Department have had any discussions with Mr Green about assisted suicide. A departmental official spoke to Mr Green to confirm that his comments were made in his role as chief executive of the English Community Care Association and not in his capacity as Dementia Champion. Ministers have not met with, or discussed this matter with, Mr Green.

Secondary information