§ Mr. Arnoldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many general managers will be appointed to the National Health Service.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeGeneral managers will be appointed for the 14 regional health authorities, the 192 district health authorities and for all the units of management within each district. Until authorities come forward with proposals we cannot give the exact number of people who will be identified as general managers at unit level as we do not have complete information centrally about hospital and unit level organisation within each district.
On present estimates however the total number throughout the service will be in the region of 1,100.
§ Mr. Arnoldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether PA management consultants have been retained to recruit general managers to the National Health Service; and if he will consider the appointment of other consultants in addition.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe have no plans to retain PA or any management consultants to recruit general managers in the Health Service. Individual authorities may involve external consultants if they wish.