§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements there are for consulting consumers on the work and decisions of his Department.
§ Mr. MellorMinisters and officials have regular contact with representatives of all spheres of health service activity, seeking contributions towards improving quality of patient services, policy development and on technical issues. Meetings are also held on health matters with voluntary organisations and their representatives. In addition to individuals making representations either to the Department or their local health organisations, since 1974, the consumer voice has been represented by community health councils. These bodies contribute towards the planning and standard of local services and have an input when changes in the pattern of service delivery is being produced.