§ Mr. O'Halloranasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent consultations he has had with regional hospital boards and hospital management committees regarding the admission of the Press and public to meetings; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephThe Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act, 1960, gives the Press and public the statutory right66W to be admitted to Regional Hospital Board meetings, subject to exclusion by resolution in the public interest I have recently discussed with Regional Hospital Board Chairmen the effect on the conduct of their business and my conclusion is that the arrangements are satisfactory. The meetings of Hospital Management Committees are not subject to the Act, though some do open their meetings to the Press.