HC Deb 26 June 1947 vol 439 cc659-60
17. Mr. Somerville Hastings

asked the Minister of Health whether, in selecting representatives of the medical profession for the local executive councils under the new Health Act, he is asking for nominations from the medical committees in the various areas and whether he is aware that in not a few of these areas medical committees were elected in 1938 and there has been no election since.

Mr. Bevan

Appointments of medical members to executive councils are made by the local medical committees, and not by the Minister. I am aware that in most areas there have not been elections for panel committees since 1939, and, therefore my recognition of local medical committees for the new service has been provisional.

22. Dr. Segal

asked the Minister of Health how and by whom, is the chairman of a local health service executive council selected; which local bodies are consulted; and what qualifications are required in assessing suitability for this post.

Mr. Bevan

Chairmen of executive councils are appointed under the National Health Service Act by the Minister of Health. I am making careful inquiries in each case, but there have been no formal consultations. No particular qualifications can be specified: my object is to get good chairmen.

Dr. Segal

Is the Minister aware that in at least one area public opinion has been outraged by the appointment of a chairman who has had a pecuniary interest in hospital contracts in the past? Is it already too late to reconsider this appointment?

Mr. Bevan

I do not know the instance which the hon. Member has in mind, but I would like to point out to him and other hon. Members that in these appointments I am not concerned with party or political considerations, but to get the right kind of chairmen for the bodies who have to do this work. If there is any instance of nepotism, or near nepotism, I would like the hon. Member to bring it to my notice.

Dr. Segal

May I ask the Minister if he is aware that in this particular instance the chairman has no party attachment whatever?

Mr. Bevan

I would like, if there is any charge whatever of the kind at which the hon. Member has hinted, to be given specific information, because if it is true, obviously the person is undesirable.