§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the implication for public expenditure, he will defer implementation of the decision recently taken by the community health councils to form a national association.
§ Mr. EnnalsAt their national conference on 3rd November representatives of community health councils resolved that a national association should be set up without delay and that I should be asked to make the necessary regulations under the National Health Service Reorganisation Act 1973 to enable an association to be established. I respect the views of the minority of community health councils, which is opposed to a national association being set up without delay, but I have decided that the wishes of the majority should he met. Membership of the proposed association would be optional. Much of the expenses of the association will relate to the continued provision of the news magazine and other information services for community health councils, the cost of which is already being met from Exchequer funds. I am satisfied that the extra cost will be relatively small.