§ 2. Dr. Summerskillasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, what steps he is now taking to establish a health commissioner to investigate complaints of maladministration in the National Health Service.
§ Mr. CrossmanThe consultations referred to in the Green Paper are now taking place.
§ Dr. SummerskillWill my right hon. Friend say what will be the effect of the recent unanimous rejection of the proposal for a health commissioner by the Central Committee for Hospital Medical Services, that is, by the hospital doctors?
§ Mr. CrossmanI can tell my hon. Friend that others in the Health Service have expressed considerable support for the notion of a health commissioner, and I shall take all the opinions carefully into consideration before making up my mind.
§ Mr. Maurice MacmillanIs the Secretary of State considering extending the powers and functions of the Hospital Advisory Service?
§ Mr. CrossmanI am not considering that, because the service is working extremely well. We shall need a few more months before we can judge its effect, but within its existing powers it is doing a first-rate job.