§ Sir H. Morris-Jonesasked the Minister of Health what is the present position in regard to the various bodies, lay and medical, which are to be set up under the terms of the National Health Service Act, 1946; whether any have been appointed; and if he will give a list of those so set up, with their personnel.
§ Mr. BevanThe 14 regional hospital boards have been constituted by an order (S. R. & O. 1947 No. 1297) which contains the names of the members, and it will be for the boards themselves in due course to appoint hospital management committees. The designation of teaching hospitals is at present under consideration, after which the boards of governors of those hospitals will be constituted. About 60 executive councils have so far been constituted, and their appointment is being announced locally. I will send the hon. Member details if he should so 147W desire. Local medical and pharmaceutical committees have been provisionally recognised in all areas, and local dental committees in practically all, but I have not the names of the members of all these bodies. The arrangements for the appointment of ophthalmic services committees, the tribunal, the medical practices committee and the Dental Estimates Board are under consideration. On the 148W establishment of health committees by local health authorities, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 26th June to my hon. Friend, the Member for Acton (Mr. Sparks). Suggestions are under consideration for appointments to the Central Health Services Council, which will in due course be consulted on the constitution of standing advisory committees.