HC Deb 03 July 1990 vol 175 c544W
93. Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what provision is being made to ensure fair and reasonable representation by constituent authorities on new health authorities when two or more are merged.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Proposals for health authorities to merge will be considered only where there is a compelling case for change. The non-executive members of any new authority which is formed as the result of a merger will be chosen solely on the basis of the individual contribution they can make to the new authority and not to represent the interests of any particular section of the population or area. Nevertheless, non-executive members will usually have some connection with the area served by the new authority and an understanding of the needs and issues of the whole district.