§ 22. Mr. Gwilym Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking to ensure that statutory bodies in Wales do not make confidential settlements in circumstances such as happened with the claim made by the Welsh Health Technical Services Organisation for defects at the University hospital of Wales.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsI shall consider each case on its merits and will of course ensure accountability to the Public Accounts Committee. This was specifically provided for in the terms of this particular settlement. However, it is essential always to bear in mind the need to protect the interests of the taxpayer.