§ 22. Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from voluntary organisations on the need to ensure service users and providers are consulted as part of an ongoing process under the proposals in the National Health Service and Community Care Bill; and if he will ensure local authorities establish an advisory body to do this.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyWe have received representations on this from several voluntary organisations. Ministers and officials meet regularly with national organisations to discuss such matters of common concern. The White Paper makes it clear that local authorities, when drawing up plans for community care, should consult interested agencies. We believe that they should determine for themselves the most appropriate way of doing this.