§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which agencies are employed by Ayrshire and Arran health board to deal with their public relations; how much this service costs; how this has changed since the establishment of Ayrshire's three NHS Trusts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 24 January 1994]: The Ayrshire and Arran health board employs Alan Clark Associates to provide a public relations service. Prior to the setting up of NHS trusts in the board's area, the service cost £25,000. Subsequently, the cost has been £15,000.The board considers that this specialist service ensures that communications with other organisations and the public, which are an essential feature of the board's role as a purchaser of health services for its residents, are carried out effectively and to a high standard.