Following the establishment of the College, the Public Policy Committee held its first meeting in March 1972. It evolved from the Parliamentary Committee of the RMPA and at that meeting its terms of reference were agreed and are still current. They are: ‘That it shall take note of and consider legislation, existing and prospective, and departmental, regional and local administrative practice with a view to commenting on matters touching upon the affairs of the College. In this respect it is empowered to take immediate action, if public statements about psychiatric affairs are urgently required, but normally will report to Council any measures which it recommends. It shall concern itself with the education and enlightenment of the public in matters relating to the prevention and treatment of mental disorder and the work of the College and its members.’

The Statutory Registration of Psychotherapists is a continuing issue which remains to be resolved. Various parties have been interested for all sorts of reasons, such as the raising of training standards, the protection of patients, the avoidance of VAT for lay psychotherapists in private practice, or the establishment of a new professional identity which would enable the employment of lay therapists within the NHS (comparable to child psychotherapists). For all these and other reasons active debate continues. The College at least needs a view. If it actively and unanimously speaks in favour of Registration, government time might be provided for a Bill. If we do nothing, or are against, other bodies will probably proceed and another Private Member's Bill may sooner or later succeed. So are we to be involved or not, and if so in what role?

The following guidelines (approved by Council in June 1982) are published to assist doctors who may be involved in preparing medical certificates for the Court of Protection in connection with the appointment of a receiver for a patient who is incapable of managing his affairs.

This Notice notifies Health Authorities of the extension of the Legal Aid Scheme to include legal representation for all applicants to a Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT) from 1 December 1982 under the Assistance by Way of Representation (ABWOR) Scheme.