§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many hours of voluntary work are given by members of community health councils in Northern Ireland ; what assessment he has made of the importance of such voluntary work ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Rossi: Information about the number of hours of voluntary work given by members of district committees 137W in Northern Ireland—the equivalent of community health councils in England and Wales—is not readily available, and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. The future of district committees is currently under review in the light of evidence submitted in response to the consultative paper on the structure and management of health and personal social services in Northern Ireland and other relevant factors. The outcome of this review will be announced in due course.