HC Deb 03 July 1967 vol 749 cc1257-8
47. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Minister of Health whether he will arrange for his advisers on matters affecting regional problems raised by Members of Parliament to be more widely based and not confined to London so that they have a better knowledge of matters in the country.

Mr. K. Robinson

On regional problems, I am already advised by people with a detailed knowledge of local conditions.

Dame Irene Ward

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, with all the marvellous personnel employed in the work of the regional hospital boards, very much remains to be done? Is he aware that very good advice has been tendered by the regional boards to the Minister but that very little has happened as a consequence? Is he aware that we are led to the conclusion that the Minister's personal advisers, when he receives in- formation from the regions, advise him against what the regions want? Will he please, therefore, see that the top advisers go to the regions?

Mr. Robinson

In answering the question I was not thinking of the regional boards. I have a principal regional officer in every region and there are doctors, nurses and welfare officers with regional responsibility. Although they are selected for their specialised knowledge, my central advisory committees include members from many parts of the country outside London. For example, on the standing Medical Advisory Committee more than half the members, including the chairman, are from outside London, and the same thing is true of the Central Health Services Council.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Is the Minister aware of the regional confusion which arises from the fact that Ministers answer Questions as though the northeast of this island ended at Newcastle-upon-Tyne and they ignore the north-east of Scotland?

Mr. Robinson

I cannot see anything in the Question or my Answer which could possibly give rise to that misunderstanding.