§ Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what(a) mechanisms and (b) legal requirements there are for (i) members of the public and (ii) representatives of organisations to speak at meetings of health trust boards. [48946]
§ Mr. MilburnWe have introduced a statutory requirement for trust board meetings to be open to anyone who wishes to attend. It is a matter of discretion for the trust chairman to decide whether members of the public or representatives of organisations are invited to speak at trust board meetings. All National Health Service trusts are additionally required to hold an annual public meeting at which members of the public may speak.
§ Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will establish mechanisms for residents within an area covered by a health trust to seek the removal of(a) the Chairman and (b) other non-executive members of the trust. [48949]
§ Mr. MilburnMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has the statutory authority to remove trust chairmen or non-executives from office if he determines that it is not in the interests of the health service that the individual involved should continue in post.
§ Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to introduce local democratic accountability to health trusts in the communities which they serve; and if he will make a statement. [48948]
§ Mr. MilburnI refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave on 28 April 1998,Official Report, columns 140–41.