§ Mr. David HeathTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the quangos within his Department's responsibility which he has to date announced his intention(a) to abolish and (b) to make subject to a significant element of democratic accountability. [9674]
§ Ms JowellMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health has not yet announced the abolition of any of the Department's quangos. However, the Department is to take part in a Government-wide review of quangos, as announced by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 18 June,Offical Report, column 174, to identify any suitable for merger or abolition. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State recently announced his intention that future national health service trust board meetings will be held in public. In addition, those appointed to serve on NHS trusts and health authorities will be more representative of the community they serve, including more users of NHS services, more carers and more people involved in representing the community's interests. These measures will improve the accountability of local NHS boards to local people.