§ 38. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Health what provisions for consultation with other bodies regarding the appointment or reappointment of members of hospital management committees are included in the scheme submitted by the North-East Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board, under Section 11 (3) and (4) of the National Health Service Act, 1946; and if, in view of the concern caused by the decision not to reappoint to the Ilford and Barking Group Hospital Management Committee two members, of whose names he has been informed, and the fact that this decision was taken without consultation with the committee, he will, in accordance with 29 Section 11 (5) of the Act, direct the Board to submit a new scheme providing for such consultation, in accordance with the intention of the Third Schedule, Part II, of the Act.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThe answer to the first part of the Question is "None, Sir": such provisions do not fall to be included in schemes under Section 11 of the Act, since they are suitably enacted by Part II of the Third Schedule. That Schedule provides that before making appointments to fill vacancies in the membership of a hospital management committee the regional hospital board shall consult the committee. I am informed that the statutory requirement was complied with on this occasion. Consequently, no action on my part is called for.
§ Mr. DribergIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that there is, therefore, a clear conflict of evidence on this matter, and that the two ex-members concerned have been categorically informed by officials of the Committee that there was no consultation in this case? Will he look into this matter again?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI understand that before filling the vacancies the Board sought the Committee's suggestions, and that the Committee suggested the reappointment of these members. It was, therefore, consulted, but consultation does not necessarily imply acquiescence in the proposition put forward by the party consulted.