§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has held with health board chairmen, chairwomen and officials concerning the implications for their decisions relating to compulsory competitive tendering of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 and the acquired rights directive; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StewartMy noble Friend the Minister of State holds regular meetings with health board chairmen at which matters of common concern are discussed. In addition the national competitive tendering group, consisting of health board staff and officials from the NHS management executive in Scotland with responsibility for market testing, meets regularly. Guidance on the application of the regulations was issued to health boards on 11 March and further guidance on market testing will be issued shortly.