Fall in detentions begs Bill question

The number of people detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 in
England fell by almost 1,000 last year to 45,700, according to
Department of Health figures.

Admissions to hospitals resulting from a court or prison order rose
to 1,300 -Êbut since 1993-4 this figure has fallen by a
quarter.

A spokesperson for mental health charity Maca said the overall
figures had been stable for several years.

But he said proposed changes to mental health legislation, which
would widen the scope for people to be detained, could
significantly increase the numbers.