§ Mr. D. Howellasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the increasing concern in trade union circles at the lack of their representatives serving upon hospital management committees; whether the recent statement of the chairman of the Shrewsbury (No. 15) Hospital Management Committee to the effect that he will not allow any sectarian interest to be represented upon his committee is in accordance with Government policy; and whether he is satisfied that it is still in the interests of the National Health Service that chairmen of hospital management committees should determine who shall or shall not be members of their committees.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI am aware that the view has from time to time been advanced that trades union membership of these committees is inadequate, and that it has been expressed recently in the Birmingham region. I am, however, informed that the number has not varied significantly since 1948 in that region. These and other members of hospital management committees do not serve as representatives of particular interests but in their individual capacity, and their selection and appointment is a statutory responsibility of each regional hospital board.
§ 48. Mr. D. Howellasked the Minister of Health how many trade union nominees serve upon hospital management committees in the Birmingham Regional Hospital Board area; and what proportion this represents of the total number of appointments.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI am informed that in addition to trades union members not nominated as such the present number of nominees is 29, or about one in 18.