§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he has taken to consult community health councils concerning his proposals to reduce private practice within the National Health Service.
§ Dr. OwenCommunity health councils were among the bodies to which the Government's consultative document published last August on this subject was circulated and some of them sent me their comments on it.
Following the publication on 15th December of proposals for the separation of private practice facilities from NHS hospitals, and the consultants' ballot on them, my Department circulated consultative proposals for pay beds to be withdrawn in a Schedule, which would total 1,000, to the proposed Bill. The proposals relate to areas, and consultation was with national bodies and area health authorities which have collected views from area medical and dental advisory committees and other staff representatives. Community health councils
334Wand other social security benefits.—[Vol. 909, c. 425–28.]