§ Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to reform the structure of health boards in Scotland with particular reference to the percentage of the board made up of(a) councillors, (b) NHS representatives and (c) directly elected representatives; and if he will make a statement. [5862]
§ Mr. GalbraithIn the last week eight new chairmen for health boards have been announced, which signals a new direction for the Scottish Health Service. It is out intention to ensure that health boards are representative of the populations they serve: I have just announced a local authority member for Lothian, Tayside and Grampian health boards. It is my intention to ensure that all health boards have on them a local authority member. I have also indicated that I would welcome nominations of candidates for health boards from the STUC. In all cases I will appoint the best available candidates in order to pursue the Government agenda for the NHS.