§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 29 July,Official Report, column 779, which proposed changes to services his Department treats as requiring formal public consultation.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe requirements for public consultation are laid down in the Community Health Councils Regulations 1985 (SI 1985 No. 304). These require that when a health authority proposes to make any substantial development of the service it provides, or variation in its service, it must formally consult the relevant community health council. A departmental circular (HSC IS 207) provides that where the community health council objects to proposals which relate to a closure or change of use of hospitals, the matter should be referred to the regional health authority. If the region supports the original proposal, the matter is referred for final decision by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State.