Health Reports (Publication) (Hansard, 24 July 1984)

§ Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I feel very strongly that these reports should in future be published. There can be no case for withholding informed comment on public services from the public themselves and, in my opinion, publication of reports will benefit the services and public understanding of them. I announced in the House last December that the Department of Health and Social Security and the Welsh Office were sending out a consultative document on arrangements for publishing HAS reports, and in January this year I announced a consultation document on publication of NDT reports. These documents sought views from a wide field of interested bodies.

The response to both documents showed almost unanimous support for publication with certain safeguards to preserve the value of the Health Advisory Service and NDT's visits, which depends on maintaining the confidence of staff and good relationships with authorities. In the light of the comments received we have decided on the form and content of reports, the procedures to be adopted in visiting and reporting and the arrangements for publication.

Detailed information and views properly given in confidence will not be published, and individuals will not be named. Both bodies' reports will be concise, focussing on the advice offered, and will highlight good practice as well as shortcomings. There will be only one report; not a separate, confidential one, or a separately published summary.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I have today issued a circular setting out detailed arrangements for the publication of all Health Advisory Services reports. Copies have been placed in the Library.

The Director of the National Development Team will be writing to authorities with further details on the publication of the team's reports.