National Health Service Act 1977

118 Consultations between Commissioners and Local Commissioners

(1) Where, at any stage in the course of conducting an investigation under this Part of this Act, the Commissioner conducting the investigation—

(a) forms the opinion that the complaint relates partly to a matter which could be the subject of an investigation under Part III of the [1974 c. 7.] Local Government Act 1974, then

(b) he shall consult about the complaint with the appropriate Local Commissioner within the meaning of Part III of that Act of 1974, and

(c) if he considers it necessary, inform the person initiating the complaint under this Part of the steps necessary to initiate a complaint under Part III of that Act of 1974.

(2) Where under subsection (1) above a Commissioner consults with a Local Commissioner in relation to a complaint under this Part of this Act, he may consult that Commissioner about any matter relating to the complaint, including—

(a) the conduct of any investigation into the complaint; and

(b) the form, content and publication of any report of the results of such an investigation.

(3) Nothing in paragraph 16 of Schedule 13 to this Act applies in relation to the disclosure of information by a Commissioner or his officers in the course of consultations held in accordance with this section.