HC Deb 08 March 1971 vol 813 cc36-7W
Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether it is his policy to allow the appointment by the Manchester Regional Hospital Board of members of hospital management committees who do not live within the catchment areas of the hospitals concerned.

Sir K. Joseph

It is for the regional hospital board to make appointments in accordance with the provisions of Section 11 and the Third Schedule to the National Health Service Act, 1946. The accepted practice is that the hospital management committee should essentially be a group of people belonging to the local community, but there is nothing to exclude the appointment of a member whose home is outside the district.

Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what evidence he has called for concerning the attendance and contribution to the work of hospital management committees within the area of Manchester Regional Hospital Board, before sanctioning the reappointment of members.

Sir K. Joseph

None: the power to appoint members of hospital management committees is placed upon the regional hospital board under the provisions of Section 11 and Part II of the Third Schedule to the National Health Service Act, 1946.

Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many members of hospital management committees within the area of the Manchester Regional Hospital Board have served for less than one year, and how many for more than one year.

Sir K. Joseph

Twenty-five and 438 respectively.

Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to encourage new appointees with high qualifications for membership of hospital management committees within the area of the Manchester Regional Hospital Board.

Sir K. Joseph

In exercising the power given to them by the National Health Service Act, 1946, to appoint members of hospital management committees, regional hospital boards undertake local consultation in accordance with the provisions of the Third Schedule to the Act. They are aware of my concern that the membership should be of high quality.

Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average age of members serving on hospital management committees within the area of the Manchester Regional Hospital Board.

ir K. Joseph

SFifty-nine years.