§ 22. Sir Sydney ChapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the role and degree of independence of community health councils. [46623]
§ Mr. MilburnCommunity health councils are independent statutory bodies whose role is to represent the interests of the public in their districts in health service matters.
§ Mr. EtheringtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many representations since June 1997 he has received from(a) hon. Members, (b) community health 168W councils, (c) health authorities and (d) hospital and ambulance trusts regarding the future role of community health councils; and if he will make a statement. [46521]
§ Mr. MilburnWe have received a number of letters from hon. Members and community health councils about the future role of community health councils.
§ Mr. EtheringtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to review and expand the role of community health councils; and if he will make a statement; [46526]
(2) what action he is taking to raise the profile of community health councils. [46524]
§ Mr. MilburnNo immediate changes to the role of community health councils are planned. It is for CHCs to decide how best to undertake and raise awareness of their activities.