§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will estimate the annual budget of the special health authority proposed to replace the Health Education Council.
§ Mr. NewtonIn view of the intention that the proposed authority should in due course assume responsibility for a continuing programme of public education on AIDS, its budget is likely to be substantially larger than that of the present council. My right hon. Friend has promised an announcement about the new authority shortly.
§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he plans to make any staffing changes, including the position of director, as part of the proposed replacement of the Health Education Council by a special health authority.
§ Mr. NewtonGenerally it is intended that Health Education Council staff should be offered employment by the special health authority; but it will be for the authority to determine the most senior appointments.
§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the provision for the continuation of the Health Education Council's current programmes when it is incorporated into the National Health Service as a special health authority.
§ Mr. NewtonIn announcing the new special health authority, my right hon. Friend's stated intention was that there should be no loss of momentum in the work of the Health Education Council. Officers of the council have been asked to assume that all current commitments and programmes will be taken over by the new body.