§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will ensure that community health councils are fully consulted by district health authorities and hospital trusts before NHS contracts are awarded; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyDistrict health authorities are responsible for placing contracts with providers, including NHS trusts. They will be expected to seek the views of all interested parties including community health councils, on their overall contracting plans.
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§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if community health councils will continue to be fully consulted before the disposal, change of use or closure of health authority and hospital trust premises and resources; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyA district health authority considering a proposal involving the closure or change of use of a health building which it manages will be required to consult the relevant community health council and other interested parties about the proposal. Ministers will continue to make decisions on contested closures. NHS trusts have no duty to consult community health councils on how they manage their premises and resources.