§ 20. Mr. Mayhewasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he will invite nominations for membership of 249 community health councils; when these councils will start operating; and when regional and area health authorities will start operating.
§ Sir K. JosephIt is my intention that regional health authorities should exercise the function of establishing community health councils. The aim will be to bring the councils into operation in April 1974. I hope that the regional and area authorities will be able to hold their first meetings towards the end of August and the end of September, respectively, in order to prepare for taking over operational responsibility for the health service on 1st April 1974.
§ Mr. MayhewMay we have an assurance that no decisions can be taken by regional or area authorities until the community health councils are fully operational?
§ Sir K. JosephRegional and area health authorities will have no operational authority for running the service as a whole until 1st April 1974, by which date I hope that the community health councils will be in existence.
§ Dr. SummerskillIn view of the highly undesirable emphasis on ministerial appointments in the composition of the health authorities, will the right hon. Gentleman treat the community health councils with the greatest respect and urgency, as they will inject an element of democracy which is so far lacking in the reorganised health service?
§ Sir K. JosephYes, certainly.