§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he considers 20 places sufficient to enable the general public to attend meetings of area health authorities.
§ Mr. MoyleThe admission of the public to meetings of regional and area health authorities is a requirement of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 as amended by the National Health Service Reorganisation Act 1973. Neither the Act of 1960 nor standing orders, which regulate the conduct of meetings and proceedings of health authorities, specify the number of places to be made available to members of the public. Since the extent of public interest varies from area to area and within areas can fluctuate according to the busi-534W ness transacted, it is appropriate that each AHA should decide for itself what provision for attendance by the general public is reasonable.