HC Deb 08 February 1977 vol 925 cc623-4W
24. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has for giving additional powers to the community health councils.

Mr. Ennals

The Government have already taken steps to strengthen community health councils in their important work. I am keeping the situation under review, but have no proposals at present for extending their legal powers.

52. Mr. Michael Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make a statement on the future of community health councils.

Mr. Ennals

What I have seen so far of the work of community health councils encourages me to think that this experiment in providing a voice for consumer interests is proving successful and I am confident that the councils will continue to develop their important and valuable rôle of representing the interests of the public in the operation of the National Health Service.