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Mental Health Bill [Lords]

I thank the Minister for her generosity in spending time with me when I have asked to see her during the course of the Bill’s proceedings. I also particularly wish to thank the Mental Health Alliance. In my view, it did not send too much material, but put a lot of work into supporting Members who were dealing with the Bill. I also thank the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the National Autistic Society for helping me with my representations on the Bill. I look forward to working with the Minister on the code of practice. There are still problems to do with people with autistic spectrum disorders. There is a problem in that people with autism are detained inappropriately in unsuitable settings and for far too long. I hope that the code of practice will address that. Finally, let me raise again an issue that I mentioned at the end of my speech on Second Reading, and which has not been touched on today. Early intervention with appropriate levels of resources is the answer to mental health issues. It seems incongruous to me that the Minister should suggest that by voting against the Bill the Opposition will be responsible for putting patients at risk.