§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations she has received regarding proposals to merge(a) Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale health authority and Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley health authority and (b) Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale community health council and Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley community health council; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyI have received no such representations. Any merger proposals would be the subject of public consultation.
§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines are laid down by her Department regarding the necessary consultation procedures involved in(a) mergers of community health councils and (b) mergers of health authorities; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyMy hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough (Mr. Dorrell) wrote to regional chairmen last year stating that where district health authorities are being merged regions should not consider merging community health councils (CHCs) without first consulting them and other local community interests. Regions should consider whether maintaining the existing CHCs will help promote better accountability, local sensitivity and local responsiveness and so outweigh any advantages to be gained from merging. Although the region's decision will be final, it is expected to take the CHC's views fully into account.
Where the merger of district health authorities is envisaged, there is agreement that regional health authorities consult, first informally, then if the Secretary of State agrees, formally with all relevant parties. Formal consultation normally runs for about three months, and should provide opportunities for public debate.