§ Mr. Mayhewasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether his attention has been drawn to the introductory leaflet issued by the Health Service Commissioner ; and if he is satisfied that the functions of the commissioner are being clearly explained to hospital patients and their families.
§ Sir K. JosephYes. In guidance issued to the relevant health authorities in September, my Department and the Welsh Office asked them to arrange for copies of the commissioner's leaflet to be made available to the public on request in their hospitals, clinics and offices, and to draw the leaflet to the attention of people who make complaints. In addition, I understand that the commissioner has sent copies of the leaflet to citizen's advice bureaux and has been in touch with a number of organisations concerned with patients' welfare.