asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when it is proposed to establish a joint consultative committee for Health Service workers in Hertfordshire; and what are the reasons why it is not already operating.

pursuant to the reply [Official Report, 25 January 1979; Vol. 961, c. 246], gave the following information:I understand that, since reorganisation of the National Health Service, joint staff consultative committees have been developed at hospital, district and area level. Recently, however, a number of trade unions representing ancillary staff have requested separate arrangements for negotiation and consultation upon matters affecting their members. This request is being considered by officers of the authority.