§ Mr. HammondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of health authority reorganisation proposals objected to by community health councils and referred to him since 1 May 1997 he has(a) approved and (b) rejected. [119472]
§ Ms StuartOf the 21 objections referred by community health councils to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State since 1 May 1997 14 per cent. were accepted, 57 per cent. were rejected, 14 per cent. resulted in amendments to health authorities' proposals, 5 per cent. were withdrawn following a change in circumstances and 10 per cent. are still awaiting a decision.