§ Mr. Nicholas BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he expects the new health authority boundaries to be published; and if he will make a statement; [32412]
(2) what guidance he has offered to regional health authorities concerning consultation with the public about new health authority boundaries; [32410]
(3) what opportunity there is for hon. Members to make representations concerning proposals for the new health authority boundaries; [32409]
(4) if he will place in the Library details of the proposed new health authority boundaries; [32413]
(5) what requirements he has placed on regional health authorities to consult with the public prior to finalising the new health authority boundaries. [32411]
§ Mr. MalonePublic consultation on the boundaries of the new health authorities will be carried out by regional offices of the national health service executive. A copy of the guidance "Consultation On The Boundaries Of The New Health Authorities" is available in the Library.
Each regional office will issue a consultation document setting out proposals for the new health authority boundaries within its area. Consultation will start on 17 July and will last three months. Comments should be made to the appropriate regional office by 17 October.
Decisions on the boundaries of the new health authorities will be made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health, following the consultation period, taking into account the views expressed.