§ Sir G. Howeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many community health councils have been fully established;
(2) how many community health councils remain to be established.
§ Dr. OwenI am informed that 112 community health councils in England have either held their first meeting or have all their members appointed. Appointments to 95 are not yet complete.
§ Sir G. Howeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what proportion of the membership of community health councils already established consists of elected members of local authorities;
(2) what is the proportion of women members of community health councils already established.
§ Dr. OwenI regret that this information is not available centrally at present. As the right hon. and learned Gentleman is aware, the relevant local authorities directly appoint at least half the members of each community health council and may appoint non-councillors if they wish. Studies about the membership and other aspects of community health councils are in hand and it is hoped that information will be available later.