§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) whether he proposes to follow in Wales the policy announced by the Minister for Health in the Official Report, 17 November, c. 112, on the future of the family practitioner committees;
(2) what representations he has received about the future of family practitioner committees; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsWe have received a number of representations about the future of family practitioner committees in Wales and, in line with the decision announced by my hon. Friend the Minister for Health in the House on 17 November we have determined that family practitioner committees in Wales shall, in due course, be established as health authorities within their own right with powers to engage staff. I anticipate that, when time permits, the amending legislation necessary to effect this change will be introduced on a joint England and Wales basis.