§ Mr. Geoffrey Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why it took until 19 March to give a decision on the Coventry community health council oral hearing which took place on 22 October 1979.
§ Dr. VaughanThe case concerned an appeal to my right hon. Friend from a decision of the medical service committee of the Coventry family practitioner committee under the National Health Service (Service Committees and Tribunal) Regulations 1974. In such cases, when the report made by the persons appointed to conduct the oral hearing of the appeal has been received, it has to be carefully considered in the light of medical and legal advice. At present, the time being taken is longer than is desirable because of the pressures of a recent high incidence of cases on the staff available for this work, but efforts are being made to complete cases more quickly.