§ Sir Sydney ChapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the role of community health councils, with particular reference to their independence vis-a-vis local health authorities and the regional offices of the NHS; and if chairmen and members of community health councils can be removed before their appointment period expires. [46133]
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§ Mr. Milburn:Community Health Councils are statutory bodies which are independent of health authorities. Regional offices of the National Health Service Executive provide operational support to facilitate CHCs' fulfilment of their functions. Regulations provide that members, including chairmen appointments, can be terminated by resignation, failure to attend meetings for 4 months, and if the Secretary of State considers that it is not in the best interests of the health service for a person to continue as a member.