HC Deb 12 February 1985 vol 73 cc160-1
12. Mr. Meadowcroft

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what account he takes of the political affiliations of regional health authority and district health authority chairmen when they are appointed.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Chairmen of health authorities are appointed for their personal qualities and not to represent particular interests. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] We often do not know the political affiliations of chairmen and potential chairmen and we do not give undue weight to those affiliations when we know them.

Mr. Meadowcroft

The reaction of the House shows the cynicism with which we greet the right hon. and learned Gentleman's comments. Is he not aware that the current edition of the Hospital and Health Service Review says in its editorial that we all know that political appointments are made? Would it not be an idea to link the operation of the Health Service and the health authorites with the inquiry into local government practices that was announced yesterday?

Mr. Clarke

I said that we do not give undue weight to political affiliations when we know them, because I know that the House would not accept that we do not pay regard to them. However, that is a minor factor in making appointments and we try to pick the best people. I think that we have a much better record of objectivity than our predecessors in the Labour Government.