HL Deb 10 December 2001 vol 629 c175WA
Lord Morris of Manchester

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the statement by the Minister of State, Department of Health, in the House of Commons Fourth Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation on 26 November on the draft Health Professions Order, what proposals they have to ensure that all 12 allied health professions in the four United Kingdom countries will be effectively represented through professional advisory committees. [HL1778]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

It will be for the new Health Professions Council to decide on membership of the professional advisory committees. The legislation provides for professional majorities and access to the council and its statutory committees.

Lord Morris of Manchester

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the statement by the Minister of State for Health in Standing Committee in the House of Commons on the draft Health Professions Order on 26 November (col. 30), whether they are proposing that the professional advisory committees should hold regular meetings and be given adequate powers to perform their role. [HL1796]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

The Health Professions Order 2001 provides for the Health Professions Council to set up professional advisory committees (PACs) with a majority of professional members to advise the council or its statutory committees on matters affecting any relevant profession. The order also permits the council to delegate functions to the PACs other than rule-making. How the PACs actually function will be a matter for the new council.

Lord Morris of Manchester

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether non-state registered chiropodists will be involved in the election of representatives on the new health professions committee only if they become registered. [HL1797]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

It will be a matter for the new Health Professions Council to determine the election scheme by which professional members are elected to the new council. Only registrants will be able to take part in the election.

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