§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the remit of the new NHS race unit; what are its planned staffing level and budget; and where it is to be sited.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe remit of the national health service ethnic health unit is described in the executive letter sent to NHS general managers and chief executives—EL(93)89, —copies of which will be placed in the Library. The letter explains that the unit is being set up
to help to ensure that black people and people from different ethnic backgrounds derive full benefit from the Health of the Nation strategy, from local health purchasing policies, the Patient's Charter, the Care in the Community initiatives and the developing role of primary care".The unit will begin operation this November and will have a budget of £500,000 for the remainder of the financial year and a staff complement of not more than six people. Since the unit will be directly accountable to the NHS Management Executive, it, too, will be based in Leeds.