§ Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has any early plans to involve more community representatives, namely, from community councils, community relations councils, tenants' or residents' associations, trades councils, &c., in the governance/membership of local area health boards; and, if so, what plans.
§ Mr. MoyleThe next general round of appointments to area health authorities is due on 1st August 1977. My Department has advised regional health authorities to consult a wide range of national bodies, including the Community Relations Commission and the Trades Union Congress, on those appointments to area health authorities for which the regional health authorities are responsible. Although community health councils are consulted, Section 9(5) of the National Health Service Reorganisation Act 1973 debars members of community health councils from serving concurrently as members of area health authorities. Regional health authorities have also been advised to bear in mind tenants' and residents' associations when making appointments to community health councils.