§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why her Department's paper DS 85/75 has not been made available to community health councils; and what other consultative documents have not been sent to community health councils.
§ Dr. OwenDS 85/75 was sent to health authorities on 7th March 1975 and subsequently sent to community health councils. It was not a consultative document but dealt with the planning tasks for 1975–76 and foreshadowed the issue of a draft guide to planning in the NHS. The guide was sent to health authorities260W on a consultative and trial basis under cover of Circular HSC(IS) 126 which also went to community health councils. My Department issues a large number of circulars and consultative documents. All health service circulars go to community health councils and, in general, councils would also receive or be able to obtain from their area health authorities any consultative document of concern to them.
§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what vacancies at present exist on the North-West Surrey Community Health Council; how long they have existed; and why they have not been filled.
§ Dr. OwenI understand that two vacancies were created by resignations of members nominated by voluntary organisations in July 1974 and Januury 1975. The regional health authority is pursuing the filling of these vacancies from appropriate organisations, with the help of the community health council.