§ Mr. Fatchettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the chairman of the Wakefield district health authority has refused to give oral evidence to the public inquiry on the outbreak of food poisoning at Stanley Royd hospital, Wakefield; and if he will take steps to ensure that such evidence is now provided.
§ Mr. John PattenThe chairman of Wakefield Health Authority, along with many others, provided written evidence to the public inquiry. I understand that he indicated that he was willing to appear before the inquiry panel to give oral evidence, but that it was not considered necessary to ask him to do so.