§ Mr. Harveyasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is now in a position to announce his conclusions on the responses he received to the consultation document on proposed measures to improve the care of newly born children and their mothers in Wales.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsMy right hon. Friend received over 40 responses from district health authorities, professional organisations, community health councils and individuals. There was wide agreement on the need for the initiative. The responses showed a high level of support for the creation of a catalyst team and a survey group. However, many consultees were less enthusiastic about the establishment of a new Wales maternity services forum.
In the light of the general approval with which the proposed initiative has been met, my right hon. Friend has decided to proceed as follows for a period of two years. The creation of a single, two member, catalyst team is confirmed. The survey group is to be enlarged to include those professional groups actively involved in the provision of maternal and neonatal care. This obviates the need for a specific Wales maternity services forum.
The aims of the initiative, and the objectives, functions and composition of the catalyst team and survey group are set out in a paper which is being distributed to those who responded to the consultation paper and to any other interest. A copy of the paper has also been placed in the Library.
My right hon. Friend is anxious that this initiative—the cost of which will be met by the Welsh Office—should get under way quickly. Consultation is beginning with the appropriate professional bodies on the appointment of members to the survey group. The catalyst team is expected to begin work in earnest in January 1984.