§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will give guidance to health authorities on the advertising of senior posts in order to promote equal opportunities; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will recommend health trusts to advertise all vacant senior posts in order to promote equal opportunities.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe NHS is committed to equal opportunities in employment. Individual appointments are a matter for the relevant employing authorities,200W who are aware that we expect that all NHS posts, including those at senior level, should normally be advertised and openly competitive.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many senior posts in the NHS between April and December 1991 were filled by means other than by open advertisement; how many(a) men and (b) women were appointed to these posts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThis information is not held centrally.