§ Mr. MaginnisTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has given consideration to the extent to which funding will be required for health and social services councils, in order that they may fulfil their functions and meet the requirements to reflect the interests of the consumer; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyYes. I recently met the four health and social services council chairmen to discuss finance and asked them to draw up budgets for the current financial year and for 1992–93, taking account of advice from the health and social services boards and the Department of Health and Social Services. I have undertaken that the councils will be adequately funded to represent the interests of the public in the health and personal social services in their areas.