District Health Authorities (Share Ownership)

HC Deb 29 October 1984 vol 65 cc846-7W

Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give the total share ownership of each district health authority.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

We do not collect this information centrally.

Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he takes to regulate the circumstances and methods of health authorities investing in companies with which they have commercial contracts or which are tendering for contracts with them.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

I should first make it clear that no Exchequer funds are involved in shareholding by district health authorities. District health authorities (and special trustees appointed by my right hon. Friend) have, in their capacity as trustees, powers to invest any trust funds they hold for NHS purposes under the Trustee Investment Act 1961. The Act obliges trustees to obtain and consider proper advice on investments, and NHS trustees should bear in mind any conflict of interest that may arise.

If the hon. Member has any particular examples in mind, I would be glad to look into them.