Written question asked by Ben Chapman (Labour) on Wednesday, 2 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 February 2005. It was answered by David Lammy (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 February 2005 on behalf of the Department for Constitutional Affairs.

Dept for Constitutional Affairs

Question: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs, what recent discussions he has held with the Archbishop of Cardiff regarding the Mental Capacity Bill. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. Ben Chapman: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what recent discussions he has held with the Archbishop of Cardiff regarding the Mental Capacity Bill. [214434] Mr. Lammy: My ministerial colleagues and I continue to discuss this important Bill with a very wide range of stakeholders, including the Catholic Church. On 25 January Clause 4 of the Bill was amended in the Other Place to fulfil the commitments that I made at report stage. The amendment to Clause 4 makes it explicit that a desire to bring about a person's death cannot affect the process of determining what is in his best interests. I am pleased that these amendments have been welcomed in the Other Place and by Archbishop Peter Smith.

Secondary information