Written question asked by Liam Fox (Conservative) on Wednesday, 16 July 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 September 2003. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Monday, 8 September 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will establish an independent inquiry into the treatment of mental health patients from ethnic minority groups.

Answer: Dr. Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will establish an independent inquiry into the treatment of mental health patients from ethnic minority groups. [127361] Ms Rosie Winterton: We do not consider it necessary to hold an independent inquiry into the treatment of mental health patients from ethnic minority groups. However, the Department of Health acknowledges that mental health services are not currently fully meeting the needs of people from black and minority ethnic groups and has an extensive programme of work under way and plans that aim to address this issue. Further information is available from: www.nimhe. org.uk about our programme of current work.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 127361; 410 c209W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Ethnic groups Mental illness Medical treatments Minority groups Psychiatric patients Mental health services
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk