§ Mr. Norman Hoggasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report the membership and remit of the committee currently investigating computer systems for the National Health Service.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI assume that the hon. Member is referring to the NHS computer policy committee which my right hon. Friend has set up under the chairmanship of Mr. G. J. Roberts, CBE, JP, the chairman of Oxford RHA, with the following terms of reference
To make recommendations on policy on Computing in the NHS, including the promotion of the best use of standard and transferable systems in the NHS and to obtain the commitment of Health Authorities to specific policies and developments to achieve that end.The membership has been as follows:
Chairman
- Mr. G. J. Roberts, CBE, JP.
Vice Chairman
- Mr. J. A. Tatchell, BSc, FiEE.
- Mr. K. F. Bales, BSc(Soc), DSA, AHA.
- Mr. G. Brooke, MSc(Eng), FICE, FIHosp E, FBIM.
- Dr. J. M. Forsythe, BSc(Hons), MRCS, LRCP, MB, BS, DROG, MSc(Soc Med), FFCM.
- Mr. T. Rippington, CBE, DPA, FHA, IPFA.
295 - Miss F. Harrison, SRN, SCM, MTD.
- Mr. D. C. Ward.
§ Mr. Norman Hoggasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy in relation to the purchase of computer systems by regional health authorities.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe NHS computer policy committee has been set up to advise amongst other things, on computer purchasing policy in the NHS. I am awaiting that advice which will follow the EC/GATT rules for the purchase of computer systems.
§ Mr. Norman Hoggasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects his inquiry into computer systems for the National Health Service to be completed.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe have not set up a special inquiry into this matter. The National Health Service computer policy committee will advise us on National Health Service computer systems.