Care in the community has been "under-funded"

The committee's proposals were based on 10 key principals to ensure the rights of service users and carers were treated with fairness and respect.

Most people with mental illnesses are not forced to stay in hospital - 90% are voluntarily admitted.

Currently, long term detention of patients is authorised by the sheriff court but the Millan Committee recommended that this be replaced with a three-person mental health tribunal.

The new system will involve medical and other expertise, and would be chaired by a legal member.

'Inadequate services'

Mr Millan said: "This would be a major reform. It should improve the quality of decision making and enhance the credibility of the system in the eyes of patients and carers."

However, he warned that for reforms to work, adequate resources needed to be provided.

"The issue of resources was not within our remit, but we received a great deal of evidence that services for people with mental health problems are still inadequate, both in hospital and in the community.

"This is not only detrimental to the interest of patients and carers, but places additional stress on the staff involved in the services."