Mental Health Bill [HL]

My Lords, I am very grateful for that, but the Government have had since March 2005, to take an important date when the Joint Committee's report was produced, to consider the issue. They had notice of the amendments. For the life of me, I cannot see how the words of AmendmentNo. 4 disadvantage the Government in any waywhatever. Other stages of the Bill will take place, not least in the other place. In my view, the time has come for this House to express an opinion on the issue. That is what I propose to ask the House to do. I hope that that will not be regarded as discourteous by the Minister. It seems to me an appropriate step at this stage. On Question, Whether the said amendment (No. 4) shall be agreed to? Their Lordships divided: Contents, 186; Not-Contents, 115.