HC Deb 25 March 1963 vol 674 cc931-3
28. Mr. Wilkins

asked the Minister of Health how many members of the local authority in Bristol now serve on the South-Western Regional Hospital Board.

Mr. Powell

None, Sir.

Mr. Wilkins

That is the reply I expected. Is the Minister aware—if he is not, will he make himself aware—that prior to the introduction of the National Health Service five hospitals in Bristol were owned by the local authority, the administration of them was carried out by members of the local authority's health committee, and, as a result, many members of the local authority had a very wide experience of administration in these matters? Why is it that they seem to be winkled out or are becoming winkled out, especially—so it would appear—if they happen to be members of the Labour Party? Is not the Minister aware, also, that there is a strong and growing suspicion that appointments to this board and to the management committees of local hospitals is now becoming very much a matter of Tory prestige and patronage? [HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."] A very good speech, and I shall make a longer one if I get the opportunity. Will the Minister himself make inquiries into the situation not only in Bristol but in the south-west of England?

Mr. Powell

This Question relates to the regional hospital board, to which I make the appointments, and I can assure the hon. Gentleman, since I make them, that there is no ground for the opinions to which he has given expression. Among the membership of this board I have to arrange for the balanced representation of all the interests and points of view in the whole of the south-western area, and no fewer than eight of the twenty-nine members are connected with Bristol.

29. Mr. Wilkins

asked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied that proper consultations have been held by the South-Western Regional Hospital Board, under Part II of the Third Schedule to the National Health Service Act, 1946, with the Bristol City Council before appointing members to hospital management committees in the city; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Powell

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Wilkins

Can the Minister say why, as a result of that consultation, the nominees of the Bristol local authority have been rejected? I have read the Schedule to the Act, and it appears that these consultations should be made in connection with the management committees of local hospitals. There appear to be no appointments made as a result of these consultations.

Mr. Powell

I am informed that members recommended by Bristol City Council are serving on all the hospital management committees in the city area and will be doing so in the coming year.

Mr. Wilkins

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Answers to this Question and to Question No. 28, I give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment and provide more evidence.