HC Deb 12 January 1994 vol 235 cc222-3W
Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 16 December,Official Report, column 888, on the dismissal of Laurence Peterken; whether officials of the Scottish Office were consulted by Greater Glasgow health board, or its chairman, at any stage before 2 November.

Mr. Stewart

[holding answer 11 January 1994]: Officials held discussions with representatives of the health board on a number of occasions about the board's proposals for a severance package for Mr. Peterken but were not consulted by the board about the proposal to dismiss him.

Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the reason for the time taken between his views being sought on 5 November 1993, on the appointment of Mr. Peterken to the post of special project director and his being offered the post on 12 November 1993.

Mr. Stewart

[holding answer 11 January 1994]: There were a number of exchanges between the Department's lawyers and lawyers acting for Mr. Peterken as to the form and content of the contract of employment.

Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions officers of the central legal office of the Scottish Office had discussions with Mr. W. S. Fyfe concering the proposed removal of Mr. Laurence Peterken from his post.

Mr. Stewart

[holding answer 11 January 1994]: The Central Legal Office, which exists to provide independent legal advice to the national health service in Scotland, is part of the Common Services Agency, not of the Scottish Office. I understand officers of the Central Legal Office had frequent discussions with Mr. Fyfe concerning Mr. Peterken's position.

Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which persons were involved in the appraisal of performance of Mr. Laurence Peterken for the year to 31 March 1993.

Mr. Stewart

[holding answer 11 January 1994]: Mr Peterken's performance for the year to 31 March 1993 was appraised by the former chairman of Greater Glasgow health board, Sir Thomas Thomson, who was in office for the period under review. This appraisal was supplemented slightly by the then chairman, Mr. W. S. Fyfe, who took up office on 1 April 1993 and submitted by him to the management executive for the NHS in Scotland. The appraisal was reviewed by the acting chief executive for the NHS in Scotland following discussions with the former NHS chief executive.