§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to ensure that community health councils will have a role to play in ensuring public participation in the planning of health care services.
§ Mr. GristMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's proposals for the restructuring of community health councils in Wales, which are currently out to consultation, do not envisage any change in their primary role. They will continue to monitor the quality of services and comment on issues relating to changing patterns of service which have a bearing on the welfare of patients. The consultation 849W document makes it clear that CHCs are expected to provide the major consumer voice on local health service issues. The proposals are intended to strengthen and focus that consumer voice and provide a more strategic overview of DHA and FPC activity from the consumer perspective.