§ Sir Brian MawhinneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the names of those NHS trust and health authority members, in post on 30 October, who are no longer in post because they failed to comply with the terms of his Department's guidance to regional health authorities relating to(a) political allegiance and (b) personal allegiance to the NHS. [18050]
§ Mr. MilburnThe only guidance issued by the Department on political allegiance and personal allegiance to the National Health Service is that contained in the information pack sent to all applicants for posts on trust and health authority boards. The guidance makes clear that candidates must have a strong personal commitment to the NHS but a candidate's political activity will not be a factor in their appointment. New candidates and those applying for reappointment are considered against all the criteria set out in the information pack.