§ Mr. Michael Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is yet able to state who will be appointed to the post of National Health Service Commissioner.
§ Sir K. JosephThe powers necessary for the appointment of the Health Service Commissioner for Scotland are contained in the National Health Service (Scotland) Act, 1972. Equivalent legislation for England and Wales will form part of the National Health Service (Reorganisation) Bill which will be presented to Parliament shortly. Subject to Parliament's approving that legislation, I, together with my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales have recommended to Her Majesty the Queen that Sir Alan Marre, the present Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration, should 77W be appointed to the posts of Health Service Commissioner in each of the three countries.
This accords with views conveyed to me by the Select Committee on the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration.
Her Majesty the Queen has graciously indicated her willingness to approve the apppointments if the necessary legislation is passed, and that Sir Alan Marre is willing to add these posts to his present responsibilities. He will, however, not be able to receive or consider complaints as Health Service Commissioner until the passage of the necessary legislation for England and Wales enables the posts to be formally established.