§ Ms. HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what will be the rights of community health councils in relation to non-National Health Service agencies providing hospital services under contract to health authorities as proposed by the National Health Service White Paper; and how they will be resourced to meet the additional work load arising.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeRights of community health councils will not change as a result of the White Paper proposals. I do not therefore foresee that they will experience any problem over carrying out their statutory duty to represent the interests of National Health Service patients in their districts. They receive adequate resources for that purpose and the White Paper does not impose any additional duties or burdens upon them.