§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many private clinics specialising in cosmetic surgery have received his approval; and if he will publish a list of them in the Official Report;
(2) if he will bring forward the implementation of the Health Services Act provision to ensure the registration and control of private clinics offering cosmetic surgery.
§ Dr. VaughanNo date has yet been set out for the implementation of section 16 of the Health Services Act 1980, but my right hon. Friend hopes to bring it into force in the summer. When this section is in force, the scope of the Nursing Homes Act 1975 will be extended to include amongst others those premises providing surgery under anaesthesia that do not already fall within the definition of a nursing home. Such premises will have to register with the local area health authority. The registering authority is concerned with standards of facilities and staffing but not clinical practices of doctors, and registration under the Act does not imply approval or otherwise of the latter. Premises brought within the scope of the Act may need to make changes to meet the registering authority's542W requirements and both authorities and managers have to have sufficient notice of the extension of the Act to prepare for registration. My right hon. Friend cannot, therefore, bring forward the date of implementation. Information is not available centrally on the number and names of clinics specialising in cosmetic surgery which are already registered under the Act.