16. Mr. Brian Harrisonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he requires the views of hospital management committees on his Department's consultative document; why only five copies were sent to the chairmen, the regional hospital boards; and why his Department refused to make any others available.
§ 34. Mr. Huntasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many copies of the consultative document on the National Health Service reorganisation 226W were sent to the Inner London Dental Executive Council; and what specific steps have been taken to ensure adequate consultation with the dental profession on the proposal outlined in the document.
§ Sir K. JosephI have consulted national organisations, including those representing dentists and hospital management committees.
Organisations consulted were sent a few copies of the consultative document for immediate use and told that they could reproduce it, which in many cases has been done. At its request, the Inner London Executive Council and its local dental committee were each sent a copy direct, as were a number of hospital management committees. I regret that this method of distribution did somewhat delay consultation, but the contents are now widely known and I am receiving valuable comments.