§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether district health authorities are required to hold an annual public meeting.
§ Mr. SackvilleDistrict health authorities (DHAs) are subject to the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960. All their full meetings must be public whenever they are considering any decisions, unless the Act permits them to hold a meeting in private—for example, because of the confidential nature of the business. DHAs are expected to keep the public informed about their work, aims and objectives. Although there is no specific requirement for an annual meeting, in practice their meetings are held more frequently than annually.