§ Mr. Arnoldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what criteria he adopts with regard to the appointment of members of community health councils by voluntary organisations.
§ Mr. MoyleMy right hon. Friend has not adopted any criteria relating solely to the appointment of members of community health councils by voluntary organisations, but guidance on appointments to councils by all appointing bodies has been issued by the Department to the effect that it would not be appropriate to 543W appoint to a council members of regional or area teams of officers or district management teams, or of another council. The Department has also advised appointing bodies that appointees should normally live in the district, should be under the age of 70, and should be prepared to spend a considerable amount of time and energy on the council's work. The legislation governing community health councils does not permit the appointment of persons who are members of regional or area health authorities or family practitioner committees. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Department's circular.
§ Mr. Arnoldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many community health councils there are in Great Britain and how many of these are situated within the area of the North-Western Regional Health Authority.
§ Mr. MoyleThere are 229 community health councils in England and Wales, of which 18 are situated within the area of the North Western Regional Health Authority, and 48 local health councils in Scotland.