§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he regards the Association of Community Health Councils for England and Wales primarily as an internal forum for community health councils to discuss with each other matters of mutual interest, or as a body representing community health councils in their relations with Government; and if the right of community health councils to consult Ministers directly remains intact.
§ Mr. EnnalsThe Association of Community Health Councils for England and Wales has a number of objects. One of them is to provide a forum for discussion and exchange of views between member councils. Another is to express views to my Department and other bodies on matters of concern to community health councils. I do not regard any particular object as the primary function of the association. Individual councils continue to take up a great variety of matters direct with Ministers and the Department, as they are fully entitled to do.