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Mental Health Bill [HL]

I do not agree with that. I was not arguing against the laudable aims in many of the paragraphs of the noble Earl's amendment. Indeed, I invite the noble Lord to read page 8 of the draft illustrative code of practice, which contains the Government’s suggested guiding principles. I have been suggesting that there may be—and, indeed, I believe there will be—some very practical issues with putting the principles on the face of the Bill as the noble Earl, Lord Howe, and others have suggested, and with how they interrelate with the current 1983 Act and the principles contained in it. I went on to describe some of the potential difficulties because, although one could certainly argue that each of the principles contained in the amendments of the noble Earl, Lord Howe, could be justified, from time to time there could be a conflict between them in terms of how the Act would have to be implemented. In terms of where we are and where we should be going, let me say this in conclusion. I have listened very carefully to noble Lords’ comments and understand the importance of principles to them. I hope that I have explained why the Government have concerns about the practical impact of the principles proposed, but I will, to use the words of the noble Earl, Lord Onslow, take this away and explore it before Report to see whether any movement can be made. I can make no promise that ultimately such an approach will lead us to wish to put some principles on the face of the Bill, but I am happy to take this away and discuss it with noble Lords between Committee and Report to see whether there is any way through.