§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidelines his Department offers as to which agenda items should be taken in private at district health authority meetings.
§ Mrs. CurrieHealth authorities are subject to the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 under which they may by resolution exclude the public from the whole or part of a meeting
whenever publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted, or for other special reasons stated in the resolution and arising from the nature of that business or proceedings".Guidance as to the application of the Act to health authorities is contained in circular HC(81)6. We expect as much business as possible to be conducted in public.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) to whom generalist members of district health authorities are accountable;
(2) to whom local authority appointed members of district health authorities are accountable.
§ Mrs. CurrieAll health authority members are appointed for their personal contribution. They are not appointed to represent any particular section or interest. District health authorities are responsible through their regional health authority to the Secretary of State for the provision of health services within their boundaries.