§ Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will introduce legislation to provide that part-time consultants in the National Health Service shall cease to be members of hospital management committees and regional hospital boards.
§ Sir K. JosephNo.
§ Mr. Leslie Huckfieldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the rules for meetings of hospital management committees and regional hospital boards governing the declaration of interest in matters raised at meetings by part-time consultants who are members of these bodies.
§ Sir K. JosephRule 10 of the Schedule to the National Health Service (Regional Hospital Boards etc.) Regulations, 1947, (Statutory Rules and Orders 1947 No. 1298). This rule reads
A hospital board, management committee or board of governors shall make, and may vary or revoke standing orders for the regulation of their proceedings and business, which shall in particular include provision that, subject to such exceptions and qualifications as may be specified in the standing orders, if a member has any pecuniary interest direct or indirect in any contract or proposed contract or other matter and is present at a meeting at which the contract or other matter is the subject of consideration he shall at the meeting as soon as practicable after the commencement thereof, disclose the fact and shall not take part in the consideration or discussion of, or vote on any question with respect to, the contract or other matter".