HC Deb 27 July 1993 vol 229 cc829-30W
Dr. Wright

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of the appointments made to public bodies by her since April 1992 have been advertised; and if she will list them.

Mr. Sackville

Information is not available centrally in respect of national health service authorities and trusts.

The posts of the director of the Health Advisory Service, who was appointed in April 1992, and the chairman of the Dental Practice Board, who was appointed in January 1993, were advertised.

The Department's aim is to appoint people from a wide range of different backgrounds and where advertising does not take place, many professional and voluntary bodies are consulted when appointments are made to public bodies.

Dr. Wright

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of the public bodies for which she is responsible hold meetings in public; and if she will list them.

Mr. Sackville

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Knowsley, North (Mr. Howarth) on 20 July at column121 for a list of the public bodies. All 249 health authorities and 292 national health service trusts are required to hold at least one public meeting a year.

The other public bodies which hold public meetings are as follows:

  • The Health Education Authority
  • The Central Council for Education and Training in Social 830 Work
  • The English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting
  • The United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting
  • The European Year of Older People and Solidarity Between Generations