HC Deb 03 July 1967 vol 749 cc1253-4
20. Sir R. Russell

asked the Minister of Health how many local authorities have not co-opted a general medical practitioner as a member of their health committee.

Mr. Snow

The available information is incomplete, but it appears that about one-fifth of the 174 local health authorities in England and Wales have no co-opted general practitioner member on their health committees.

Sir R. Russell

Does not the Minister agree that it is desirable that they should have co-opted members where local medical practitioners want them? Can he give any reasons why this has been refused in these cases?

Mr. Snow

I think that the short answer is that many local authorities outside the numbers that I have given secure this aid and advice from general practitioners by co-opting them on to subcommittees of their health committee. Apart from that, representatives of local health authorities meet general practitioners on the executive councils so that they do have an opportunity for consultation.

Mr. Braine

But in view of the need for effective liaison between local authority services and family doctors, is it not highly desirable to have a general practitioner representative on these committees wherever possible? Does not the Ministry issue some sort of advice on this matter?

Mr. Snow

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend does give an indication where it is desirable, but he has no power to coerce in these matters. The framework is such that it is fairly easy for a local authority to obtain that advice.