HC Deb 04 May 1959 vol 605 cc10-1
26. Sir K. Joseph

asked the Minister of Health whether he is now able to announce the composition and terms of reference of the council he is setting up to advise on the application of modern management techniques in the National Health Service.

Mr. Walker-Smith

The Council will be known as the "National Health Service Advisory Council for Management Efficiency (England and Wales)" and its terms of reference are: To advise generally on measures for improving efficiency in the National Health Service in England and Wales". The chairman will be Sir Ewart Smith.

The Council will concentrate in the first instance on problems connected with the hospital service, and this is reflected in the membership. The members have been invited to serve on the Council because of the personal contribution they can make as a result of their experience in the Hospital Service or in the promotion of management efficiency in other fields.

I will, with permission, circulate the names of the members in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Sir K. Joseph

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that the initiative which he has taken and the quality of the chairman he has secured for this important Council will be generally welcomed as likely to lead in due course to benefit for all concerned with the National Health Service?

Mr. Walker-Smith

I am much obliged to my hon. Friend, who has taken a close interest in these matters. I am sure that the work of this Council will show considerable benefit for the hospital service.

The following are the members (13 and Chairman): Mr. C. Bartlett, R.M.N., Mr. C. H. Beckett, Professor T. E. Chester, Mr. A. M. Hudson Davies, O.B.E., Mr. S. Hill, Dr. F. Avery Jones, F.R.C.P., Mr. S. C. Merivale, F.H.A., Mr. M. W. Perrin, C.B.E., F.R.I.C., Alderman R. G. Robinson, C.B.E., J.P., Professor Sir Arthur Thomson, MC., M.D., F.R.C.P., Sir Edward Thompson, J.P., Mr. G. Watts, F.H.A., and Miss M. L. Young, S.R.N., S.C.M., R.S.C.M.