§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services when he intends to lay a commencement order in respect of the Hospital Complaints Procedure Act 1985.
§ Sir Michael McNair-WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the Hospital Complaints Procedure Act 1985 is now in force at National Health Service hospitals.
§ Mrs. Currie[holding answer 18 January 1988]: Directions on the complaints procedures to be operated in respect of complaints by hospital patients have been made. A copy of the direction and covering circular has been issued to health authorities arid is available in the Library. Health authorities will be required to ensure that the procedures are brought into effect not later than 29 July 1988.