§ 14. Mr. Ellisasked the Secretary of State for Wales what arrangements he has made to ensure adequate representation of the general practitioner service in North Wales on the Management Study Group for the National Health Service reorganisation in Wales which he announced last year.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattPeople participate in the Study as individuals and not as formal representatives of particular interests or geographical areas. They are drawn from all areas of Wales and between them have wide experience of the health service, including the management problems associated with the general medical services in Wales.
§ Mr. EllisIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the apprehension felt in North Wales that the family general practitioner service, particularly in Welsh-speaking areas, is not being adequately represented? Therefore, even at this late stage will he co-opt to his Study Group a member with experience of executive council work in North Wales—somebody who is well acquainted with the linguistic problems arising in the Welsh-speaking areas?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattI am sorry to hear that such concern exists. I am sure the hon. Gentleman would agree that the wider interests of the general practitioner service in North Wales are the same as those of the general practitioner service in any other parts of Wales. The organisational structure will take due account of particular local circumstances.