asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had regarding the staffing and expenses of local health councils to be established under Section 14 of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1972.

Some 50 organisations have offered views on these matters in response to the consultative document issued by my right hon. Friend's Department. I am grateful for the consistently helpful approach that has been adopted and will take full account of the suggestions made in framing the necessary regulations.

I hope that that reply means that there is considerable interest in Scotland in local health councils. In his discussions and in any regulations and schemes which may come forward, will the Secretary of State make clear that a local health council can employ or appoint its own secretary, who need not be an employee of an area health board?

I certainly share the hon. Gentleman's enthusiasm, which is manifest in Scotland, for the local health councils. Yes, I think that the local health councils will have the opportunity to appoint their own staff, but I hope that they will do this in close consultation with the area health boards. Indeed, it will be complementary to both the councils and the boards if a secretary is employed by both.

Will the hon. Gentleman indicate what will be the extra cost per year of rearranging the health services in Scotland from the present regional basis to the new set-up?

I could not possibly do that without notice.

While there may be occasions when a joint appointment is of value, does the hon. Gentleman nevertheless accept that, if the local health councils are to have a critical, not necessarily a condemnatory, view on what has been done by an area health board, having someone who is not an employee of the area health board can be a great advantage?

Yes, I accept that. While the local health councils may appoint their own staff, it must be accepted that the financial arrangements will be through the area health boards. Therefore, there must be consultation.