Written question asked by Peter Luff (Conservative) on Wednesday, 2 April 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 11 April 2003. It was answered by David Lammy (Labour) on Friday, 11 April 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, who is responsible for ensuring that consultations by primary care trusts are in accordance with section 11 of the Health and Social Care Act 2001; and if he will make a statement. - Includes ref to 'Strengthening Accountability: Involving Patients and the Public' in Library Dep 03/1080.

Answer: Mr. Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health who is responsible for ensuring that consultations by primary care trusts are in accordance with section 11 of the Health and Social Care Act 2001; and if he will make a statement. [107567] Mr. Lammy: Strategic health authorities ensure that primary care trusts have arrangements in place for involving and consulting patients and the public. Overview and scrutiny committees of local authorities, under section 7 of the Health and Social Care Act 2001, will require national health service organisations to consult them on any proposal for a substantial development or variation of health services (these regulations will eventually take the place of Community Health Council Regulations). This is contained in the policy guidance, "Strengthening Accountability: Involving Patients and the Public", published in February 2003. A copy of the document has been placed in the Library.

Secondary information