§ Mr. JamiesonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for the reorganisation of community health councils in the Plymouth and Torbay area; and if he will make a statement. [2700]
§ Mr. MaloneNone. The re-organisation of community health councils is a matter for regional health authorities, in their capacity as the establishing body for community health councils. They have a responsibility to ensure that CHCs are able to reflect the views of the communities they serve, for example when the establishing body are considering CHC mergers or boundary changes the first consideration must always be whether maintaining the existing CHCs will best serve the local interest.
727WWith specific reference to the Plymouth and Torbay area, the hon. Member may wish to contact Ms Rennie Fritchie, chairman of the RHA for details.