HC Deb 25 May 1971 vol 818 cc210-1
8. Mr. Golding

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is yet able to announce the appointment of a Health Service ombudsman.

Sir K. Joseph

I cannot yet go beyond what I said in reply to Questions on this matter on 4th May.—[Vol. 816, c. 1163.]

Mr. Golding

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of us believe that the proposals in the consultative document are undemocratic and, if implemented, will strengthen the case for the appointment of a Health Service ombudsman?

Sir K. Joseph

I note what the hon. Gentleman says. I do not agree with him.

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

Does not my right hon. Friend realise that we have a very good ombudsman as it is. [HON. MEMBERS: "Who?"] Would he consider not duplicating this work but giving the Parliamentary Commissioner, who is very skilled in this matter, the work in regard to hospitals under the Government's direct control?

Sir K. Joseph

I note what my hon. and learned Friend says.

Mr. Michael Stewart

Would the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the views which have been expressed on this matter by the Select Committee of this House to which the ombudsman reports?

Sir K. Joseph

I have noted very carefully the views of the Select Committee.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Would my right hon. Friend try to give a swift answer on this matter? There are many hon. Members on this side of the House who desperately want to see such an appointment, and we hope that he will not take as long in making up his mind as his predecessor did.

Sir K. Joseph

Yes. I have said before that I am bound to meet the medical profession before making up my mind. I hope that the meeting with the consultants and the B.M.A. will take place soon.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

In considering the appointment of an ombudsman—besides that of the Select Committee, there is the view of at least one of the committees of inquiry into a major difficulty at a mental subnormality hospital to be taken into account—will the right hon. Gentleman consider making it possible for the Health Service Advisory Committee in certain circumstances to bring situations to the attention of that person, because many hon. Members are concerned that the ombudsman should not merely be an appeal court?

Sir K. Joseph

I take it that the hon. Lady is referring to the Hospital Advisory Service?

Mrs. Shirley Williams

Yes.

Sir K. Joseph

That goes much further than what I have in mind at the moment, but I will ponder what the hon. Lady has said.