§ Dr. Phippsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from the Health Services Board for an extension of time in which to submit its first report.
§ Mr. EnnalsOn behalf of the Health Services Board the Chairman wrote to me on 3rd March seeking some extension of the initial period in order to allow adequate time for consultation with the Scottish and Welsh Committees and those directly concerned with proposals which the Board may make in its first report for a further reduction in authorised pay beds and for the progressive withdrawal of consultation suites for private non-resident patients. Conscious that consultations with interested parties about appointments to the Board took longer to complete than 413W I had hoped when the Health Services Bill was before the House, and that following the first meeting of the Board on 17th February it became necessary to appoint a successor to the first chairman, I concluded that it would not be unreasonable to accede to the Board's request. Although I understand that the Board aims to submit its first report on or about 30th June—and I have told Lord Wigoder that I hope it will be able to realise its aim—I have decided in order to avoid the need, because of a possible last minute hitch, for any request for a further extension of a few days to extend the initial period by 8 weeks from 21st May to 16th July.