Ministry of Health Act 1919

The Ministry of Health Act 1919 (9 & 10 Geo. 5. c. 19) was an act of Parliament which established for the first time in the United Kingdom a Minister of Health.

Ministry of Health Act 1919

Act of Parliament
Parliament of the United Kingdom
Long title	An Act to establish a Ministry of Health to exercise in England and Wales powers with respect to Health and Local Government, and confer upon the Chief Secretary certain powers with respect to Health in Ireland, and for purposes connected therewith.
Citation	9 & 10 Geo. 5. c. 19
Dates
Royal assent	3 June 1919
Other legislation
Amends	Local Government Board Act 1871 National Insurance Act 1911
Repealed by	National Health Service (Pre-consolidation Amendments) Order 2006
Status: Repealed
Text of statute as originally enacted

It also established the Consultative Council on National Health Insurance, the Consultative Council on Medical and Allied Services, the Consultative Council on Local Health Administration and the Consultative Council on General Health Questions.^[1] Separate provision was made for consultative arrangements in Wales and Ireland.

Christopher Addison was the first minister appointed.

Its role was to 'take all such steps as may be desirable to secure the preparation, effective carrying out and co-ordination of measures conducive to the health of the people'.^[2]