§ 7. Mr. Joseph Deanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has received any representations alleging disadvantages of a membership of 24 to 30 people for community health councils; and what reply he has been sent.
§ Dr. VaughanYes, Sir. A considerable number of people asked for smaller CHCs believing, correctly as we think, that smaller groups work more effectively and efficiently. In fact, some specifically referred to disadvantages when there were more than 24 members.
§ 20. Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why he has recommended a smaller size for community health councils.
§ Dr. VaughanI refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Leeds, West (Mr. Dean) earlier today.
§ 38. Mr. Stoddartasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what rights of consultation with health authorities will be given to community health councils from 1 April 1982.
§ Dr. VaughanUnder the regulations we laid before the House on 25 January—SI 1982 No. 37—community health councils will in future have the same rights to be consulted by district health authorities on proposals for substantial developments of, or variations in, health332W services as they have at present with area health authorities. They will also continue to have the right to have proposed closures and changes of use of health buildings referred to my right hon. Friend in cases where they disagree with the proposal and have put forward a reasonable counter-proposal.
§ 40. Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has for the budget of community health councils in 1982–83 compared with that for 1981–82.
§ 43. Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the increase in the budget for community health councils in 1981–82 compared with that for 1980–81.
§ 50. Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the increase in the budget for community health councils in 1981–82 compared with that for 1978–79.
§ Dr. VaughanInformation is not held centrally about community health council budgets which are determined by regional health authorities. Expenditure by councils in England in 1978–79 and 1980–81 was £3,458,296 and £4,934,088.
§ 53. Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what arrangements are to be made for community health councils in Leicestershire after National Health Service reorganisation.
§ Dr. VaughanAs I announced in the House on 6 November last, there will be one community health council for Leicestershire.
The membership of the new council is a matter for the Trent regional health authority, which is currently considering the transitional arrangements.