HL Deb 07 February 1978 vol 388 cc1027-8WA
Baroness MASHAM of ILTON

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make it possible for the public duties of employees for which they are allowed time off under Section 59 of the Employment Protection Act 1975 to include the duty to attend Community Health Councils; and if not, why not.

Lord WALLACE of COSLANY

Not at present. The Government believe that it would be wise to gain more experience of the operation in practice of Section 59 of the Employment Protection Act 1975 before considering the extension of its application. Section 59 only came into operation on 6th April 1977. The Government will of course bear in mind the claim of Community Health Councils to be included within the scope of the provision.