§ 16. Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what criteria he intends using to appoint people to the new health boards and local health councils when these are set up.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythCriteria for appointments to the new health boards are included in the consultation letter issued to nominating bodies. Members of local health councils are not appointed by my right hon. and learned Friend.
§ Mr. MarshallIs not the Minister ashamed of his present policy of almost always appointing Tory party lackeys to health boards, all of whom should be removed by the incoming Labour Government? How does he justify the fact that the eastern half of Glasgow, where there is a population of several hundred thousand, does not have even one local person to represent it on the Greater Glasgow health board? When will he end that disgraceful situation?
§ Mr. ForsythIf the Member of Parliament for the relevant district were to nominate someone, which he has not done, we could give consideration to the matter.
§ Mr. HoodI know that next Monday the Minister will be busy running round getting votes for his right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, but will he make himself available at St. Andrew's house in Edinburgh at 12 noon on Monday to receive a petition from the Clydesdale constituents opposing the elimination of acute medical services in the Clydesdale region by the closure of Law hospital in Stonehouse?
§ Mr. ForsythAs the hon. Gentleman knows, the approval and principal proposal has yet to come to 290 Ministers. However, I assure the hon. Gentleman that I shall take account of the representations that he and others have made about the outcome that they would like to see.