Mr. Robert HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the cost to date of the public affairs department of Grampian health board in preparing and issuing press releases giving publicity to NHS trust status for Aberdeen royal infirmary, Foresterhill site; and whether any costs will be charged directly to the group of senior managers and consultants who have decided to submit an application for NHS trust status.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe work involved is a small part of the activities of the public affairs department of Grampian health board, the cost of which is not separately identifiable. Health boards have a clear duty to provide assistance to trust candidates and it is quite appropriate for Grampian health board to issue press releases on behalf of the Foresterhill project manager and his team.