§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many members on (a) Waltham Forest district health authority and (b) North-East Thames regional health authority are women; what proportion this is of the total members of the authority; and whether he is satisfied that the current level of female representation is in accordance with the aims of his Department's circular HC(81)6 of May 1981.
(2) how many ethnic minority representatives are members of (a) Waltham Forest district health authority and (b) North-East Thames regional health authority; what proportion this is of the total number of members on the authority; and whether he is satisfied that the current level of ethnic minority representation is in accordance with the aims of his Department's circular HC(81)6 of May 1981;
(3) how many members of (a) Waltham Forest district health authority and (b) North-East Thames regional health authority are over 65 years.of age; what proportion this is of the total members of the authority; whether their appointments are exceptional in accordance with his Department's circular HC(81)6 of May 1981; and if he will supply the reasons in each case for such exceptional appointment.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeFive members of North-East Thames regional health authority are women and one 161W member is over 65. This represents 31 per cent. and 6 per cent. respectively of the authority's membership. So far as we are aware, no member of the regional health authority is a member of an ethnic minority.
We do not appoint members as representatives of particular groups, but we seek to ensure that members corporately cover the interests of the whole community.
The circular to which the hon. Member refers gives guidance on the appointment of members to district health authorities. My right hon. Friend does not make these appointments. They are the responsibility of the regional health auhority.