Community Health Councils

HC Deb 27 May 1977 vol 932 cc695-6W

Mr. Anthony Grant

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress has been made with setting up a national association of community health councils; what legislative action is required; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Moyle

At a meeting held on 3rd November 1976 representatives of community health councils resolved that a national association should be set up without delay and that my right hon. Friend should be asked to make regulations under Section 9(6) of the National Health Service Reorganisation Act 1973 to provide for the establishment of such a body Membership will be optional. Arrangemets have been made for a further meeting of representatives on 15th June. The National Health Service (Association of Community Health Councils) Regulations 1977 (SI 1977 No. 874) were laid before Parliament on 23rd May, coming into operation on 13th June. These will enable my right hon. Friend, at the request of the meeting, to establish by an order under Section 54 (2) of the Act an association to function in accordance with regulations.