§ Mr. Woodallasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in line with the request referred to in paragraph 45 of the White Paper on industrial democracy, Cmnd. Paper No. 7231, to the joint chairmen of the nationalised industries, the Government had asked for joint proposals by August 1978 for further improvement in consultation and participation in the 13W health services; and, if this has not been done, what the Government's proposals for an extension of industrial democracy in the health services are.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe extension of industrial democracy in the National Health Service has been under consideration quite independently of the request to the nationalised industries to which my hon. Friend refers. Discussions are currently being held with representatives of the TUC Health Services Committee about staff membership of health authorities.
Following Lord McCarthy's review of the operation of the NHS Whitley Council System published in December 1976, I understand that the General Whitley Council has it in mind to review its agreement on joint staff consultation.