§ Mrs. Betty WilliamsTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what discussions she has had with the Appeals Service in North Wales about contractual arrangements for the provision of a medical assistant as chaperone for medical examinations. [52941]
§ Maria EagleI have been asked to reply.
966WThere have been no discussions between my right hon. Friend and the Appeals Service in North Wales. However, this is a matter for Neil Ward, Chief Executive of the Appeals Service. He will write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Neil Ward to Mrs. Betty Williams, dated 24 May 2002:
The Secretary of State has asked me to respond to your question concerning contractual arrangements for the provision of a medical assistant as chaperone for medical examinations in North Wales.The Appeals Service awarded a national contract to British Nursing Co-operations Ltd. to supply medical assistants at appeal hearings where a medical examination is required. This contract, which is for an initial 2 year period, commenced on 1 November 2000.I hope this is helpful.