§ 12. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now give more details of his proposals in relation to the Franks Committee in the form of a White Paper; and if he will indicate the rights of objectors and appellants with regard to their being professionally represented by solicitor and counsel and as to procedure generally.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. J. Nixon Browne)The administrative arrangements are fully set out in the Memorandum and Circulars to which my right hon. Friend referred in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, West (Sir I. Clark Hutchison) on 13th May. Copies of these papers have been placed in the Library, and are on sale in the ordinary way. Nothing in them affects any existing rights of objectors and appellants to appear in person at inquiries or hearings, or to be represented in such manner as they may choose.
§ Mr. HughesWhile thanking the hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I ask if it means that persons making complaints against doctors under the National Health 1052 Service may be legally represented at all hearings?
§ Mr. BrowneNo, Sir. The Franks Committee did not recommend such a change. All matters relating to National Health Service procedures of this kind are under consideration, in consultation with the professions concerned.