§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of district health authorities and family practitioner committee membership in England and Wales(a) in 1979 and (b) currently is made up of trade union nominees; and if he will make a statement on the criteria he uses in appointing district health authority and family practitioner committee members.
§ Mr. MellorIn England district health authorities have only existed in their present form since 1982. No information is available centrally about members of family practitioner committees in 1979, since at that time they were appointed by area health authorities.
In England, currently 33 family practitioner committee members were nominated by trade unions. Information is not held centrally about district health authority members since they are appointed by the relevant regional health authority and local authorities. When appointing family practitioner committee members we endeavour to achieve a reasonable balance of age, sex, experience and geographical location. Regional health authorities are asked to do the same when appointing DHA members. However, all members are appointed on the basis of the individual contribution they can make and not to represent any personal or sectional interest.
Information relating to Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.