HC Deb 20 December 1984 vol 70 cc307-8W
Mr. Terry Davis

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how often the Minister for Health has met the chairman of the West Midlands regional health authority during 1984; and how often these meetings have concerned the business of the West Midlands regional health authority.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I frequently meet Mr. Ackers and we seldom resist the temptation to discuss the affairs of the RHA.

Mr. Terry Davis

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the terms of reference for the management consultants who are going to be appointed to review the organisation of the West Midlands regional health authority.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The terms of reference for this review have not yet been drawn up and agreed.

Mr. Terry Davis

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the present chairman of the West Midlands regional health authority was appointed; when his appointment will end; how much he is paid as chairman of the regional health authority; and how many days per week he spends on the business of the regional health authority.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Mr. James Ackers was appointed chairman of the West Midlands regional health authority on 1 August 1982. His term of office expires on 31 July 1986. He receives the usual honorarium of £8,424 a year. Chairmen's contributions to the running of their authorities cannot be measured in terms of days per week.

Mr. Terry Davis

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the Minister for Health is now prepared to confirm the appointment of Mr. K. Bales as general manager of the West Midlands regional health authority.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Yes, I have agreed with the West Midlands regional health authority that a review should be carried out by outside consultants of the functions and working of the authority and the establishment of the general management function by the authority. This review will be guided by a steering committee drawn from members of the authority and on which an official of our Department will sit. Mr. Bales will be appointed as general manager for two years, at the end of which period the position will be reviewed. On this basis, the appointment was announced on 13 December.