§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations Ministers in his 364W department have had from the British Epilepsy Association about the damage to voluntary organisations that will arise from fund raising by the National Health Service; what reply he is sending; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from voluntary organisations about health circular HC (80) 11, which allows the National Health Service to enter into fund-raising activities.
§ Dr. VaughanI have received a number of representations from voluntary organisations, including the British Epilepsy Association, expressing concern about fund raising by health authorities and our recent circular on the subject. I am considering their comments.
§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to supervise the operation of fund-raising enterprises by the National Health Service as outlined in his circular HC (80)11.
§ Dr. VaughanThe Health Services Act 1980 conferred the new fund raising power on health authorities. The Secretary of State has a reserve power to prohibit any specified activity which he considers undesirable. I am considering the representations made to me about the the circular HC (80)11.
§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimates he has made of the effect of the implementation of health circular HC (80)11 on the level of fund raising by voluntary organisations.
§ Dr. VaughanNo such estimate is possible. I hope that any extra funds raised for the NHS, whether by health authorities or by voluntary bodies, will be in addition to funds raised by voluntary bodies for other purposes.