§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will ensure that regional health authorities consider nominations from co-operative societies and other co-operative bodies when making appointments to the new district health authorities.
§ Dr. VaughanThe National Health Service Act 1977 requires regional health authorities to undertake consultation before they appoint the membership of health authorities, but individual bodies are not prescribed. I do intend to specify which bodies should be consulted since the statutory appointing authorities now have well-established consultation arrangements of their own. In addition, any individual or body is free to submit nominations to the regional health authorities for their consideration.