§ Mrs. Castleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will announce the names of the chairman and members of the Health Services Board.
§ Mr. EnnalsMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I, after consultation with the British Medical Association, the British Dental Association, the Staff Side of the General Whitley Council, the Trades Union Congress and the Patients' Association, have invited Mr. Ralph Gibson, QC, to serve as Chairman of the Health Services Board. I am glad to say that he has accepted.
To avoid any possible suggestion that his decisions as Chairman might be influenced in one direction or the other Mr. Gibson will terminate his subscription to the British United Provident Association and will withdraw from his position as retained counsel to the Transport and General Workers Union. I have every confidence that Mr. Gibson, who is an eminent member of the legal profession with considerable judicial experience, will be completely impartial in carrying out the task laid down in the Act.
After similar consultations we have also invited Mr. Ray Buckton, Mr. Bernard Dix, Dr. Cyril Scurr and Dr. Derek Stevenson to serve as members of the Board.