Work will restart later this year on new legislation to cover rules about who can authorise arrangements for mental health patients who do not have the capacity to consent.

That’s the pledge from Health Minister David Ashford, after he was quizzed on the latest position on the anticipated Capacity Bill.

He said that draft proposals, including a framework to meet the requirements of the European Convention on Human Rights on deprivations of liberty regarding people who do not have the capacity to consent, had been developed by legislative officers.

But, he said, similar legislation currently before Westminster had varied from previous recommendations by the Law Commission.

He added: ’Before our own Capacity Bill is progressed further, consideration will need to be given to the final version of the legislation approved by the UK Parliament.

’I expect that work will recommence on our Capacity Bill in April or May this year.’

The issue was raised by Julie Edge (Onchan), who wanted to know when Mr Ashford expected any legislation to appear before the branches of Tynwald.

Mr Ashford said the bill was a priority and he would want to see it introduced ’as soon as practically possible’.

The minister also confirmed powers of attorney would be covered in the bill.