§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has given to primary care trusts about the timing of consultations on changes to services during local council election campaigns; and if he will make a statement. [108142]
§ Mr. Hutton [pursuant to his answer 14 April 2003, Official Report, column 613 W]I regret that my response was incorrect. The response should have read as follows
The Department has not issued any guidance specifically about the timing of consultations on changes to services during local council election campaigns. However, a personal note from the national health service Chief Executive to chief executives in the NHS, local authority chief executives and social services directors issued on 14 March 2003, included a reference to the local election purdah and drew attention to Cabinet Office 157W guidance on the conduct of public servants during election periods. A copy of the relevant extract has been placed in the Library.Strategic Health Authorities are expected to ensure that primary care trusts in their areas undertaking consultations have regard to the guidance".