HC Deb 31 May 1965 vol 713 cc1148-9
12. Mr. Ioan L. Evans

asked the Minister of Health if he will ensure that every section of the community is given fair and adequate representation on the Birmingham regional hospital boards and hospital management committees in the Birmingham area.

Mr. K. Robinson

So far as my appointments to the regional hospital board are concerned I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Hale) on 16th November. The regional hospital board is responsible for appointments to hospital management committees but I have no doubt that its object is the same.

Mr. Evans

While thanking my right hon. Friend for the reply, may I ask him whether he realises that in Birmingham and the West Midlands there has been considerable disquiet about the partisan manner in which the previous Government made appointments to the board? While I am not asking him to adopt a partisan approach, may I ask whether he will ensure that in future the appointments to the committees will cover a broad cross-section?

Mr. Robinson

I am aware that a certain amount of criticism has been voiced in the area. I am sure that my hon. Friend will know that political parties are not consulted about appointments to boards or committees, but I consult the Trades Union Congress about the appointments to boards, and the regional hospital boards in their turn consult local trades councils before making appointments to hospital management committees

Mr. Wood

Is it not the right hon. Gentleman's general view that party political considerations should not affect his choice?

Mr. Robinson

Yes, Sir. My general view is the same as that of my predecessor, that appointment to membership of a regional hospital board is made primarily for the individual contribution which members can make to the efficient running of the hospital service.

Mr. Evans

Does my right hon. Friend realise that, while we on this side would agree that party considerations should not come into the matter, the cause of the complaints in the past has been that they appear to have done so?