HC Deb 04 December 1987 vol 123 c763W
Mr. Denis Howell

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy towards the freedom with which National Health Service employees may speak to the press on matters of patient care; and if he will dismiss any health authority chairman found to have threatened employees with dismissal if they speak to the press on matters relating to patient care.

Mr. Newton

Unless specifically forbidden by their employment contract or terms and conditions of service, National Health Service employees are free to speak to the press on matters concerning the National Health Service including matters of patient care in general. Medical