§ John MannTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice he has provided to strategic health authorities and primary care trusts regarding their requirement to reply to hon. Members who seek information from them; and what guidance he has given as to a reasonable amount of time before such replies are received. [105595]
§ Mr. HuttonStrategic heath authorities and primary care trusts are required to adhere to the standard national health service response time as outlined in section 6 (Response to Requests for Information) of the "Code of Practice on Openness in the NHS". A copy has been placed in the Library. An 897W acknowledgement must be sent within four working days and, where possible, the information should follow within 20 days.