§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he is satisfied with the progress to date of the joint consultative committees; and if he will make a statement;
211W(2) how many joint consultative committees are functioning in England; and if he will list the names of the chairmen and the authorities covered by each committee.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe existing General Whitley Council agreement on joint staff consultation dates from the 1950s and there is reason to believe that the detailed provisions of the model constitution contained in that agreement may in some ways have hindered rather than helped the development of formal consultative arrangements over the years. Lord McCarthy, however, in his report "Making Whitley Work" emphasised the need for management to consult staff representatives about significant decisions likely to affect their well-being, and this need is accepted by health authorities as well as by my colleagues and myself. The General Whitley Council is now engaged on negotiations designed to produce an agreement more in line with the needs of the current situation.
As at August 1978 in England there were joint consultative committees at
Area health authority Hospital Time closed (one day unless otherwise specified) Enfield and Haringey Chace Wing 1–2 January North Middlesex 31 January Camden and Islington UCH — Royal Free 1, 2 January 2 days Whittington 23 January 9 a.m.–5 p.m. 29 January 9 a.m.–4.30 p.m. 30 January 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Royal Northern 14–15 November 22–23 November 28–30 November 2 days 1 January 7–11 January 4 days 21–31 January 10 days Redbridge and Waltham Forest Whipps Cross — City and East London Queen Mary's for East End — London (Whitechapel) — London (Mile End) — Hackney — St. Leonards 13, 16, 23, 24 November 2, 16, 22 January For varying periods during day: to male patients— 8, 21, 29 November 11, 13 December 18, 23 January to female patients— 8, 15 November 8, 27 December 24 January