HC Deb 30 July 1997 vol 299 cc381-2W
Mr. Blizzard

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to make health authorities more accountable to local communities. [10757]

Mr. Milburn

Those appointed to serve on health authority boards, in the future, will be more representative of the community they serve. They will have to live in the area, show a commitment to the national health service and will include more users of the NHS, carers and people from the voluntary sector who can speak with a community voice.

Nominations for these posts will be sought from local authorities and local Members of Parliament as well as through advertisements to be placed in the autumn.