§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what notice he plans to give to NHS trust and health authority members on their reappointment. [14583]
§ Mr. MilburnWe would normally prefer to give advance notice to serving members of National Health Service boards on whether they are to be reappointed. Trust appointments have been delayed this year because of the introduction of new criteria for board membership, and the need to consider new candidates arising from over350W 1,800 nominations by Members of Parliament and local authorities. Apart from exceptional cases, these appointments will be confirmed very shortly.