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Mental Health Bill [HL]

I thank the noble Earl, Lord Howe, and the noble Baroness, Lady Barker, for their contribution to the debate. I am keenly aware of the support among professionals, patients and communities with whom I am engaged day to day for improving the definition of CPA and ensuring it has the appropriate statutory force. In moving these three amendments I stated that it is a matter of significant public concern that CPA is not done well, and that defining it clearly and making it a statutory requirement would improve care for patients, ensure their safety and significantly contribute to wider public safety. As the noble Earl, Lord Howe, said, patients should not have to put up with poor services. In a reciprocal arrangement for detention, they should receive high quality services. I am not entirely convinced by the argument of the noble Lord, Lord Warner, that guidance, training and a code of practice will suffice. We have had guidance, training and a code of practice for 16 years, without success. Unfortunately not only have a number of people received a very poor quality of service, but many have paid with their lives. I remain convinced that we should follow this route. In my opinion it is essential for the improvement of care and public protection that CPA has statutory regulation. I urge the Government to think again seriously about these amendments, and to take action in using this opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives. It is clear to me, however, that we need more time to debate these important issues before we can arrive at an agreed settlement, therefore I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Clause 13 agreed to. Clause 14 agreed to. Clause 15 [Certain registered medical practitioners to be treated as approved under section 12 of 1983 Act]: