§ Mr. Hilary BennTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what process will be used to appoint non-executive directors to the boards of the new primary care trusts; and if he will make a statement. [153941]
§ Ms StuartNon-officer members of primary care trust boards are currently appointed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. Candidates are identified through local recruitment exercises, and from those already serving on other national health service boards. The criteria applied when assessing candidates are listed in the Department of Health Public Appointments Annual Report, a copy of which is in the Library.
Regulations for the NHS Appointments Commission have been laid before Parliament and will come into force on 1 April 2001. The commission will be operational from that date and will be responsible for all chair and non-executive appointments to NHS trusts, health authorities and primary care trusts. The criteria for appointment will still be determined by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and the commission will be required to report annually on its performance and progress.