§ Mr. Terry Davisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services which section of which Act of Parliament gives him the power to confirm or refuse to confirm the appointments of a general manager by a regional health authority.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe powers of the Secretary of State in respect of the appointment of health authority staff are those conferred by paragraph 10 of schedule 5 to the NHS Act 1977.
Our guidance circular on the appointment of general managers asks regional health authorities to submit their proposals for identifying a general manager to the Secretary of State for discussion with the regional health authority chairman to confirm that the Secretary of State is content, before the authority proceeds to a formal decision.