Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to her speech of 23 October 2014 in Central Hall, Westminster, entitled Home Secretary at the Policing and Mental Health Summit, whether the package of measures announced in that speech was recommended by her Department and the Department of Health's review of powers under the Mental Health Act 1983.

The joint Home Office and Department of Health review of the operation of Sections 135 and 136 of the Mental Health Act is one part of the wider work being taken forward by the Government to review and improve access to appropriate help for those suffering mental ill health. Sections 135 and 136 relate to the detention of those with mental health problems; there are many other issues affecting the treatment of vulnerable people by the police. The package of measures announced by the Home Secretary on 23 October, while addressing some common themes, is separate to any specific recommendations which may stem from the review, which is expected to be published before the end of this year.